Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: A solid state nanopore device including two or more materials and a method for fabricating the same. The device includes a solid state insulating membrane having an exposed surface, a conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the exposed surface of the solid state membrane, and a nanopore penetrating an area of the conductive material and at least a portion of the solid state membrane. During fabrication a conductive material is applied on a portion of a solid state membrane surface, and a nanopore of a first diameter is formed. When the surface is exposed to an ion beam, material from the membrane and conductive material flows to reduce the diameter of the nanopore. A method for evaluating a polymer molecule using the solid state nanopore device is also described. The device is contacted with the polymer molecule and the molecule is passed through the nanopore, allowing each monomer of the polymer molecule to be monitored.

Abstract: Planar resonant tunneling sensor devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices include first and second electrodes present on a surface of a planar substrate and separated from each other by a nanodimensioned gap. The devices also include a first member for holding a sample, and a second member for moving the first member and planar resonant tunneling electrode relative to each other. Also provided are methods of fabricating such a device and methods of using such a device for improved detection and characterization of a sample.

Abstract: Planar resonant tunneling sensor devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices include first and second electrodes present on a surface of a planar substrate and separated from each other by a nanodimensioned gap. The devices also include a first member for holding a sample, and a second member for moving the first member and planar resonant tunneling electrode relative to each other. Also provided are methods of fabricating such a device and methods of using such a device for improved detection and characterization of a sample.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlled fabrication of a solid state structural feature. In the method, a solid state structure is provided and the structure is exposed to an ion beam, under fabrication process conditions for producing the structural feature. A physical detection species is directed toward a designated structure location, and the rate at which the detection species proceeds from the designated structure location is measured. Detection species rate measurements are fit to a mathematical model, and the fabrication process conditions are controlled, based on the fitted detection species rate measurements, to fabricate the structural feature.

Abstract: For controlling a physical dimension of a solid state structural feature, a solid state structure is provided, having a surface and having a structural feature. The structure is exposed to a first periodic flux of ions having a first exposure duty cycle characterized by a first ion exposure duration and a first nonexposure duration for the first duty cycle, and then at a second periodic flux of ions having a second exposure duty cycle characterized by a second ion exposure duration and a second nonexposure duration that is greater than the first nonexposure duration, for the second duty cycle, to cause transport, within the structure including the structure surface, of material of the structure to the structural feature in response to the ion flux exposure to change at least one physical dimension of the feature substantially by locally adding material of the structure to the feature.