Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for an implantable capacitive pressure sensor. Some embodiments of the invention include a capacitive pressure sensor capsule comprising a substrate, a conductive plate functionally coupled to the substrate, a conductive diaphragm spaced from the conductive plate and functionally coupled to the substrate, a lid hermetically sealed against the substrate, and pressure sensing circuitry disposed within a volume generally defined by the lid and the substrate. Embodiments of the invention also include a lead provided with an implantable pressure sensor capsule and a method of manufacturing a capacitive pressure sensor capsule.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: An electrical feedthrough assembly according to the invention can be used as a component of an implantable medical device (IMD) and/or or electrochemical cell. An IMD includes implantable pulse generators, cardioverter-defibrillators, physiologic sensors, drug-delivery systems, etc. Such assemblies require biocompatibility and resistance to degradation under applied bias current or voltage. In some forms of the invention, such assemblies are fabricated by using electrically common, multiply-interconnected electrical pathways including metallized vias and interlayer structures of conductive metallic material within bores and between ceramic layers. The layers are stacked together and sintered to form a substantially monolithic dielectric structure with at least one electrically common embedded metallization pathway extending through the structure.

Abstract: The invention includes a family of miniaturized, hermetic electrical feedthrough assemblies having at least one passive electrical component electrically coupled to a conductive pathway traversing each said assembly which are adapted for implantation within a biological system. The electrical feedthrough assembly according to the invention can be used as a component of an implantable medical device (IMD) such as an implantable pulse generator, cardioverter-defibrillator, physiologic sensor, drug-delivery system and the like. Such assemblies require biocompatibility and resistance to degradation under applied bias current or voltage. Such an assembly is fabricated by interconnected electrical pathways, or vias, of a conductive metallic paste disposed between ceramic green-state material. The layers are stacked together and sintered to form a substantially monolithic dielectric structure with at least one embedded metallization pathway extending through the structure.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: An electro-chemical analysis device and method for analyzing biomolecular samples, including a means for holding a sample on a substrate platform, a thermal sensor, a biosensor formed having a specific spatial resolution as related to the thermal sensor, and a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample. The means for holding the sample, the thermal sensor, the biosensor, and the means for providing radiation all three-dimensionally integrated with the substrate platform, thereby defining a compact biomolecular analysis device having a volume resolution of less than 50 micro liters. During operation, radiation is provided to the biomolecular sample to provide for a constant temperature at which hybridization of the biomolecules takes place. The temperature of the biomolecular sample is monitored and controlled by the integrated thermal sensor and the integrated heater. Once hybridization takes place, the change in electric condition (e.g.

Abstract: A monolithic ceramic bioreactor for manipulating biofluids at a low flow having formed therein at least one fluid passageway, at least one electromagnetic pathway defined by a high &mgr; magnetic material and an electrically conducting microcoil, a first and second electrode, and a biofluid comprising at least one chemical specie within a buffer solution for preserving the activity of an enzyme contained within a bioassay for genetic reaction. The device is characterized as generating a magnetic field and an electric field, perpendicular to the magnetic field, when under the application of a first and second current. In combination the magnetic field and the electric field characterized as generating a Lorentz force. The biofluid includes sufficient conductivity for fluid motion when under the influence of the Lorentz force generated within the monolithic structure, thereby providing for the manipulating of the biofluid through the monolithic structure.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices. In preferred aspects, the devices are fabricated using ceramic multilayer technology to form devices in which parallel, independently controlled molecular reactions, such as nucleic acid amplification reactions including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed. Additionally, the devices can include and comprise micro-gas chromatographs similarly fabricated from ceramics.

Abstract: An intermediate low-pressure laminated ceramic device is formed from a plurality of layers of unfired ceramic material each including ceramic particles in an organic binder. A polymer interfacial layer having a glass transition temperature such that it flows at a temperature below a temperature required for the unfired ceramic layers to substantially deform, is deposited on one surface of each of the unfired ceramic layers. The unfired ceramic layers are stacked with an interfacial layer positioned between adjacent unfired ceramic layers in the stack. The stack is heated to a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the interfacial layers and a pressure is applied to the heated stack below approximately 1200 psi to fixedly bond the plurality of layers in the stack together.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically isolated via in a multilayer ceramic package and an electrical connection formed within the via are disclosed. The method includes punching a first via in a first layer, filling the first via with a cross-linkable paste, curing the paste to form an electrical insulator precursor and forming the via in the insulator precursor. The electrical connection formed includes an insulator made from a cross-linked paste supported by a substrate of a multilayer ceramic package and a conductive connection supported by the insulator.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multilayered structure out of sheets of green-tape without the application of high pressures includes the step of applying an adhesive to the sheets of green-tape. Selection of an adhesive with a polymer that decomposes at a higher temperature than the binder present in the green-tape promotes stability of the interfaces during the firing process and promotes void-free sintering within the interfacial regions.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD) cavity and microfluidic channel are combined for interrogation of samples. The apparatus includes a dielectric body and layers of conductive material defining a MHCD cavity containing an environment for carrying a gas discharge within the MHCD cavity. The gas discharge generates gas based electromagnetic waves. Electrical connections apply a cathode discharge potential to the layers of conductive material. A microfluidic channel is integrated on the substrate, and a path extends from the MHCD cavity laterally through a portion of the microfluidic channel. A detector, which may be integrated on the common substrate, is positioned to receive electromagnetic waves from the path and electronic circuitry is coupled to the detector for acquiring and processing data.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: An electrochemical analysis device and method for analyzing biomolecular samples, including a means for holding a sample on a substrate platform, a thermal sensor, a biosensor formed having a specific spatial resolution as related to the thermal sensor, and a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample. The means for holding the sample, the thermal sensor, the biosensor, and the means for providing radiation all three-dimensionally integrated with the substrate platform, thereby defining a compact biomolecular analysis device having a volume resolution of less than 50 micro liters. During operation, radiation is provided to the biomolecular sample to provide for a constant temperature at which hybridization of the biomolecules takes place. The temperature of the biomolecular sample is monitored and controlled by the integrated thermal sensor and the integrated heater. Once hybridization takes place, the change in electric condition (e.g.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: An enhanced ceramic layer is produced for use in laminated ceramic devices. A layer of unfired ceramic material is provided and a coating of dielectric material (preferably alumina) is applied on at least one surface. The dielectric material forms a reaction barrier between excess glass forced to the surface during firing and metallization positioned on the coating. The coating can be applied by screen printing, spraying a slurry of dielectric material, or spraying a slurry of dielectric material and an adhesive allowing low pressure lamination.