Description
The core of the Nano eNabler system is a compact precision motion control platform mated to a microfabricated surface patterning tool (SPT™) with integrated microfluidics. Molecules to be printed are loaded into the SPT™ reservoirs by pipet for the ultimate in simplicity. A variable intensity laser and position-sensitive photodetector are employed to monitor the contact time and force between the SPT™ cantilever and the surface being patterned. In this way, the user is able to precisely control the volume of liquid being dispensed and the resulting feature size. Sophisticated electronics and a powerful user interface provide millisecond control over each deposition event. To ensure consistent printing, a constant humidity is maintained by an environmental chamber and computer-controlled humidifier. The entire process can be viewed through a high resolution optical zoom microscope and CCD camera with video displayed within the NanoWare™ software. To minimize the instrument’s footprint, the computer has been integrated into the controller.
