Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 3, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 15, 2005
Assignee:
Arizona Board of Regents Acting for Arizona State University
Abstract: The present invention comprises a highly sensitive non-contact force microscope having a coaxial cantilever-tip configuration and a method of forming such configuration. The non-contact microscope obtains high resolution graphical images of a sample surface topography, and/or other properties thereof including its electrostatic, magnetic, or Van der Waals forces.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 12, 1994
Date of Patent:
April 23, 1996
Assignee:
Arizona Board of Regents acting for Arizona State University