Abstract: This invention enables a sensitivity enhancement in the detection of molecular compounds. A mass spectrometry analyte support with nanotube anchors are used to concentrate MALDI samples prepared with water-insoluble matrix compounds on the anchor spot. A matrix solution mixed with analyte molecules is spotted onto a specialized MALDI plate using carbon nanotubes to selectively nucleate the analyte. The spot diameter of the target is usually several orders of magnitude larger than traditional supports, and led to lateral concentration for non-aqueous based matrices and produced a final dried matrix/analyte spot that was approximately the diameter of the laser spot at the point of investigation. The carbon nanotubes enhance nucleation on specific areas of a sample plate to concentrate analyte/matrix deposit during droplet evaporation, and demonstrate an increase in signal to noise ratio and an improved detection capability of low analyte concentrations compared to the standard MALDI preparation technique.

Abstract: This invention enables a sensitivity enhancement in the detection of molecular compounds. A mass spectrometry analyte support with nanotube anchors are used to concentrate MALDI samples, specifically samples prepared with water-insoluble matrix compounds, on the anchor spot. The surface structure is established through patterned carbon nanotube anchor growth, providing a nucleation center for analyte and reducing sample precipitation on the surrounding MALDI wafer. Also disclosed is a method of creating a mass spectrometry support using patterned metal catalyst to grow carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes enhance nucleation on specific areas of a sample plate to concentrate analyte/matrix deposit during droplet evaporation.

Abstract: A method of forming a smooth thin film on a substrate within a short deposition time, the method comprising introducing ionic substances (salts, acids, bases) to a polymeric solution to be sprayed. These ions attach to the polymer strands in solution, increasing their charge to mass ratio. This results in mutual repulsion of the strands during the spray process and produces a smooth film, even at relatively high polymeric solution concentrations. A side effect of this process is the introduction of impurities (the added ions) to the polymer thin film. The proper choice of ionic compound allows a dissolution step to be used to “clean” the polymer film after deposition, using the solubility characteristics of the thin film versus the ionic compound.

Abstract: An electrospray (ES)-based deposition system enabling the coating an impervious substrate, such as a glass slide, with biological materials in a vacuum. Distilled water or a buffer is used as the solvent; no other solvents are used thereby eliminating hazardous waste from the process. Movement across differential pumping stages causes evaporation of the solvent occurs resulting in shrinkage of the remaining constituents with an increase of the charge density. The resulting ion beam enters a vacuum chamber and the beam impinges on the substrate, whereby a thin layer is deposited thereon. The spray can be focused to a specific area allowing patterning of the substrate if desired. The amount of coating can be controlled and a specified number of coats of the same or different molecules can be added to the surface.

Abstract: An electrospray (ES)-based deposition system enabling the coating an impervious substrate, such as a glass slide, with biological materials in a vacuum. Distilled water or a buffer is used as the solvent; no other solvents are used thereby eliminating hazardous waste from the process. Movement across differential pumping stages causes evaporation of the solvent occurs resulting in shrinkage of the remaining constituents with an increase of the charge density. The resulting ion beam enters a vacuum chamber and the beam impinges on the substrate, whereby a thin layer is deposited thereon. The spray can be focused to a specific area allowing patterning of the substrate if desired. The amount of coating can be controlled and a specified number of coats of the same or different molecules can be added to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the selective growth of single carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the tip apex of a conventional cantilever. Selective CNT growth is established by coating the backside of a cantilever, having a through-hole at a tip apex, with a catalyst material followed by a cover layer. The exposed catalyst at the bottom of the hole at the apex of the cantilever induces growth of a single CNT at this location.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube sensor and a method of producing the carbon nanotube sensor are disclosed. The sensor detects small particles and molecules. The sensor includes a gate, a source and a drain positioned on the gate, and a carbon nanotube grown from a catalytic material and extending from one of the source and the drain. The method includes the step of functionalizing an end of the carbon nanotube with a receptor. As such, the carbon nanotube is receptive to the small particles and molecules. The carbon nanotube is driven at a resonance, and the resonance of the carbon nanotube is measured when the end of the carbon nanotube is free of the small particles and the molecules. The method includes monitoring for a change in the resonance to detect the association of the small particles and molecules with the end of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the selective growth of single carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the tip apex of a conventional cantilever. Selective CNT growth is established by coating the backside of a cantilever, having a through-hole at a tip apex, with a catalyst material followed by a cover layer. The exposed catalyst at the bottom of the hole at the apex of the cantilever induces growth of a single CNT at this location.

Abstract: A method produces a three-dimensional macro-molecular structure on a substrate in a vacuum. In this method, a solution of a solvent and a macro-molecular species is provided. The solution is ionized to provide ionized molecules of the solvent and molecules of the macro-molecular species. The ionized molecules of the solvent have a first electrical charge and the molecules of the macro-molecular species have a second electrical charge equivalent to the first electrical charge. As such, the ionized molecules of the solvent and the molecules of the macro-molecular species naturally repel each other. The molecules of the macro-molecular species are deposited on the substrate in the vacuum to produce the three-dimensional macro-molecular structure.

Abstract: A method of producing a branched carbon nanotube (CNT) is disclosed. The branched CNT is used with an atomic force microscope having a cantilever and a tip and that is able to measure a surface of a substrate as well as an undercut feature of the substrate that protrudes from the surface. A catalytic material is deposited onto the tip of the microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of a primary branch of the branched carbon nanotube such that the primary branch extends from the tip. A secondary branch is then introduced to extend from the primary branch and produce the branched carbon nanotube. The primary branch interacts with the surface of the substrate and the secondary branch interacts with the undercut feature.

Abstract: A method of producing an integrated circuit with a carbon nanotube is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a source, a drain, and a gate, and the source and the drain are positioned on the gate. A catalytic material is deposited onto the source. The catalytic material is then subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of the carbon nanotube such that the carbon nanotube extends from the source. Next, the carbon nanotube is bent toward the integrated circuit such that the carbon nanotube extends between the source and the drain to render the circuit operable.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) tweezer and a method of producing the tweezer are disclosed. The tweezer includes a tip formed from an insulator, and first and second CNT prongs. The first prong extends from a surface of the tip, and the second prong is spaced from the first prong and extends from the surface of the tip generally parallel to the first prong. The prongs are grown from a catalyst. A first patch of the catalyst is deposited onto the surface and a second patch of the catalyst onto the surface and spaced from the first patch. The catalyst is subjected to chemical vapor deposition to initiate growth of the prongs. The prongs extend from the tip with a distance between ends of the prongs. The prongs are bent toward one another thereby decreasing the distance between the ends such that the small particle is grasped therebetween and can be micro-manipulated.

Abstract: A method of producing a branched carbon nanotube (CNT) is disclosed. The branched CNT is used with an atomic force microscope having a cantilever and a tip and that is able to measure a surface of a substrate as well as an undercut feature of the substrate that protrudes from the surface. A catalytic material is deposited onto the tip of the microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of a primary branch of the branched carbon nanotube such that the primary branch extends from the tip. A secondary branch is then introduced to extend from the primary branch and produce the branched carbon nanotube. The primary branch interacts with the surface of the substrate and the secondary branch interacts with the undercut feature.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube sensor and a method of producing the carbon nanotube sensor are disclosed. The sensor detects small particles and molecules. The sensor includes a gate, a source and a drain positioned on the gate, and a carbon nanotube grown from a catalytic material and extending from one of the source and the drain. The method includes the step of functionalizing an end of the carbon nanotube with a receptor. As such, the carbon nanotube is receptive to the small particles and molecules. The carbon nanotube is driven at a resonance, and the resonance of the carbon nanotube is measured when the end of the carbon nanotube is free of the small particles and the molecules. The method includes monitoring for a change in the resonance to detect the association of the small particles and molecules with the end of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A method produces a three-dimensional macro-molecular structure on a substrate in a vacuum. In this method, a solution of a solvent and a macro-molecular species is provided. The solution is ionized to provide ionized molecules of the solvent and molecules of the macro-molecular species. The ionized molecules of the solvent have a first electrical charge and the molecules of the macro-molecular species have a second electrical charge equivalent to the first electrical charge. As such, the ionized molecules of the solvent and the molecules of the macro-molecular species naturally repel each other. The molecules of the macro-molecular species are deposited on the substrate in the vacuum to produce the three-dimensional macro-molecular structure.

Abstract: A method of producing an integrated circuit with a carbon nanotube is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a source, a drain, and a gate, and the source and the drain are positioned on the gate. A catalytic material is deposited onto the source. The catalytic material is then subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of the carbon nanotube such that the carbon nanotube extends from the source. Next, the carbon nanotube is bent toward the integrated circuit such that the carbon nanotube extends between the source and the drain to render the circuit operable.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon nanotube is disclosed. The carbon nanotube is used with an atomic force microscope that includes a cantilever having a tip culminating with an apex. A catalytic material is deposited onto the apex of the tip of the atomic force microscope, and the catalytic material is subjected to chemical vapor deposition. This initiates growth of the carbon nanotube such that the carbon nanotube extends from the apex of the tip.