Nano technologies -
Manipulation of Nano-Scale Objects Using High-Resolution,
Low-Dose Transmission Electron Microscopy
Introduction
There is a constant demand for nanostructures
in the fields of research and commercial enterprise.
At present, there is an express need for the capability
to synthesize a product while simultaneously observing
its fabrication. Available instruments for nanofabrication
and manipulation do not allow for such real-time observation.
Invention Description
This technology encompasses a new
type of microscopy that provides for extreme visualization
and the manipulation of single-polymer chains in real-time
while imaging them in the transmission electron microscope
(TEM). The capability to synthesize a product while
simultaneously observing its fabrication is a first.
Additionally, this invention provides for much greater
control for the purpose of manipulation and synthesis
of nanomaterials from a variety of sources. The low-dose
electron beam allows nanofabrication of significantly
smaller structures from polymeric materials. The capability
to manipulate, synthesize, and analyze a material simultaneously
changes the TEM's role in research development and the
production of a variety of scientific and commercial
products.
Benefits
Provides for significantly smaller,
nanometer-sized fabrication
Nanofabrication can proceed from
a variety of materials including biological and inorganic
Low-dose electron beams do not
destroy the samples
Features
Real-time monitoring
Differential control
Formation of nanopatterns through
the crystallization of uranyl acetate using an electron
beam
Market Potential/Applications
The world microscopy market is currently
over $1.5 billion and is expected to rise steadily as
new applications in medical imaging and nanotechnology
are explored. Microscopes (such as this) used in the
manipulation of materials could account for sales upwards
of $775 million over the next two years.
Development Stage
Lab/bench prototype completed.
IP Status
Two U.S. Patent Applications filed
UT Researcher
R. Malcolm Brown, Jr., Ph. D., Department
of Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin
