Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample.

Abstract: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.

Abstract: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.

Abstract: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using a monolithic array of test sites formed on a substrate upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes probes formed therein to bond with a predetermined target molecular structure or structures. A signal is applied to the test sites and certain electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using a monolithic array of test sites formed on a substrate upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes probes formed therein to bond with a predetermined target molecular structure or structures. A signal is applied to the test sites and certain electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: Dry, laser-based, lithographic techniques and systems for patterning a surface of a wafer or other substrate are disclosed. The techniques and systems are particularly adapted for automated micro-fabrication of integrated circuits on semiconductor wafers. The invention entails dry depositing a resist material on a surface of a substrate, then generating a pattern in the resist material by selectively exposing the resist material to pulsed UV laser radiation, controlling the ambient exposure of the resist material between the resist-depositing and pattern-generating steps, and, finally, transferring the pattern from the resist to the substrate or otherwise employing the pattern to transform the substrate by deposition or implantation of materials.

Abstract: A surface electron barrier region is formed on a semiconductor membrane device by a single step laser process which produces a sharp doping profile in a surface region above the light penetration depth. Enhanced quantum efficiency is observed, and by selectively forming barrier layers of differing depth, a CCD device architecture for two-color sensitivity is achieved. The barrier layer results in enhanced membrane-type and radiation hardened bipolar and CMOS devices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a patterned oxide superconducting film wherein a selected region of a ternary metal oxide superconducting film is irradiated in a controlled atmosphere with photons so as to become non-superconductive.

Abstract: A method for assembling and interconnecting large, high-density circuits from separately fabricated components, where conventional preassembly device testing, and conventional production techniques, can be employed in an uncomplicated process. A plurality of semiconductor chips are applied connection-side down to a temporary soluble substrate and then encapsulated. The temporary soluble substrate is then dissolved, exposing the connection side of the chips, to which electrical connections can then be made.

Abstract: A method for forming ohmic contacts on diamond substrates, where, by irradiating a diamond substrate with radiation having a wavelength in the neighborhood of 193 nm, regions of enhanced electrical conductivity may be formed without substantially heating the substrate surface. Metal films may be applied to obtain ohmic or Schottky type contacts on the irradiated sites. The invention may be used to form regions of anisotropic and isotropic enhanced conductivity. Regions of anisotropic conductivity may be employed as polarizing optical devices.

Abstract: A laser induced direct writing pyrolysis of a refractory metal or metal silicide on substrates is described. Typical reactants comprise flowing WF.sub.6, MoF.sub.6 or TiCl.sub.4 with SiH.sub.4 and an inert gas, such as Argon. A preferable substrate surface is a polyimide film. The refractory metal film may comprise low resistivity W, M, or Ti, or silicides thereof, having a predetermined resistance depending on the relative ratio of reactants. The invention is useful, inter alia, for repair of defective circuit interconnects, and formation of interconnects or resistors on substrates.

Abstract: Thin films (e.g. less than 100 nm thick) of a metal oxide material can be deposited on a variety of hydrophilic substrates by hydrolysis. Deposition is achieved by reacting a vapor of an appropriate metal-containing compound with water at or near the substrate's surface. The resulting deposited film can serve a variety of uses, for example, as a photo-resist in micro-electronics or in any area where protective films are useful, such as the passivation of ternary metal oxide superconductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to visible-laser deposition reactions of metal containing oxyhalide and carbonyl vapors, such as, chromyl chloride vapor, CrO.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, or cobalt carbonyl, Co.sub.2 (CO).sub.8, for direct writing of metal containing opaque patterns on various substrates (Si, SiO.sub.2, GaAs and glass). Deposition at low laser power is by photolysis of adsorbed reactant molecules. Higher powers initiate deposition photochemically and continue it with a combined photolytic/pyrolytic reaction, simultaneously inducing a solid-phase conversion of the deposited film. Mixed Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 /CrO.sub.2 or cobalt thin films of 1-nanometer to several-micrometer thickness, as well as 1-millimeter-long single crystals of Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 or cobalt, can be grown with this process, the former at rates up to 3 .mu.m/s. Thin chromium oxide films produced in this manner are strongly ferromagnetic.

Abstract: A method for maskless patterning and etching of metals is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a metal, forming a passivating layer of an oxide or nitride upon the surface of the metal, exposing the metal to a halogenous atmosphere, while patterning the metal using a directed energy beam to selectively replace the oxides or nitrides with halides, and heating the patterned metal while exposing it to an etchant to etch regions located below the halogenated surfaces leaving the remaining passivated regons intact.

Abstract: A laser induced direct writing pyrolysis of a refractory metal or metal silicide on substrates is described. Typical reactants comprise flowing WF.sub.6, MoF.sub.6 or TiCl.sub.4 with SiH.sub.4 and an inert gas, such as Argon. A preferable substrate surface is a polyimide film. The refractory metal film may comprise low resistivity W, M, or Ti, or silicides thereof, having a predetermined resistance depending on the relative ratio of reactants. The invention is useful, inter alia, for repair of defective circuit interconnects, and formation of interconnects or resistors on substrates.