Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing nanostructures in a controlled way, wherein the controlling comprises controlling the electron emitting tips used for the nanoscopic structure growth. Further, the present invention describes an integrated method and apparatus for growing a plurality of electron emitting tips and nanoscopic structures in the same growing process.

Abstract: A device is provided with tunable affinity for molecules such as in particular macromlecues including proteins and peptides. The device comprises a substrate with a surface; a plurality of locally substantially parallel electrodes along said surface, wherein adjacent electrodes are separated by a distance in the range of about 0.1 nm to about 1 ?m, such as about 0.3 nm to about 10 nm, where each of said electrodes is connected to a tunable EMF source, such that a specific electrostatic environment perpendicular to said electrodes is created, extending along the electrodes, and providing a continuous binding area for molecules in contact with the binding area. By tuning the independently tunable EMF sources a specific affinity or repulsion is obtainable for molecules with specific electrostatic properties. Also provided are methods for separating and isolating molecules with a device such as is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing nanostructures in a controlled way, wherein the controlling comprises controlling the electron emitting tips used for the nanoscopic structure growth. Further, the present invention describes an integrated method and apparatus for growing a plurality of electron emitting tips and nanoscopic structures in the same growing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locally raising the temperature of a material in order to facilitate chemical reactions or processes related to growth or removal of the material utilizes an electrode to apply, in the presence of a growth or removal medium, a controlled succession of thermal spikes or shockwaves of varying energy. The scale of the thermal spikes or shockwaves, and the area of the material affected by the resulting energy transfer, is on the order of a few nanometers to several hundred micrometers, and the duration of the thermal spikes or shockwaves ranges from a few picoseconds to several hundred nanoseconds. The growth or removal medium may be a cryogenic liquid, although other growth media, including liquids, solids, gases in critical or non-critical state, and mixtures of liquids and solids, solids and gases, and liquids and gases, may also be employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locally raising the temperature of a material in order to facilitate chemical reactions or processes related to growth or removal of the material utilizes an electrode to apply, in the presence of a growth or removal medium, a controlled succession of thermal spikes or shockwaves of varying energy. The scale of the thermal spikes or shockwaves, and the area of the material affected by the resulting energy transfer, is on the order of a few nanometers to several hundred micrometers, and the duration of the thermal spikes or shockwaves ranges from a few picoseconds to several hundred nanoseconds. The growth or removal medium may be a cryogenic liquid, although other growth media, including liquids, solids, gases in critical or non-critical state, and mixtures of liquids and solids, solids and gases, and liquids and gases, may also be employed.