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Category: nanotechnology

BSA 08-13: Zeptoliter Pipette

BNL Reference Number: BSA 08-13

Patent Status: Application Number 20090257921 was published on October 15, 2009

Summary

Zeptoliter pipette dispensing a droplet.

A zeptoliter is a volume of 1000 cubic nanometers, or that of a cube 10 nm on a side. Structures of this size may display size-dependent properties. They are interesting for their properties and as objects of scientific study. Until now there was no way to reliably dispense such volumes. The zeptoliter pipette can be used to dispense nanodroplets for use as seeds for bottom-up assembly of nanostructures, or for study of the properties of fluids.

Description

A nanorod containing an alloy is heated in a transmission electron microscope until the alloy melts. Then the zeptoliter-sized droplet is released by directing the electron beam onto a small spot on the nanorod to produce a pore through which the droplet emerges. The external shell encapsulating the molten alloy provides pressure that forces the droplet out of the pipette.

Journal Publication

• Dispensing and surface-induced crystallization of zeptolitre liquid metal-alloy drops (.pdf)

Have Questions?

For more information about this technology, contact Kimberley Elcess, (631) 344-4151.