Liquid-Environment Paul Trap Using Time-Varying Multipole Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for trapping and controlling charged particles in liquid environments, such as DNA sequencing, are inefficient due to weak dielectrophoresis forces and complex setups, making it difficult to stabilize small biomolecules like ssDNA, and existing Paul traps are incompatible with liquid environments.
Innovation Solution
A system using at least three confining electrodes to create a time-varying periodic multipole electric potential, specifically a quadrupole potential, within a trapping volume in a liquid environment, allowing for the stable trapping of charged particles, including biomolecules, by applying a time-varying periodic voltage bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If dielectrophoresis forces are used to trap charged particles in liquid, then trapping is achieved, but the forces are relatively weak and cannot stabilize small biomolecules like ssDNA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the trapping mechanism from dielectrophoresis (which relies on polarizability and produces weak forces) to electrophoresis (which relies on charge and produces strong forces). By applying a DC electric field to charged particles in liquid, the system generates sufficiently strong trapping forces to stabilize small biomolecules like ssDNA that cannot be held by dielectrophoresis alone.
2Force
If optical tweezers, acoustic tweezers, or magnetic tweezers are used to trap particles in liquids, then trapping is achieved, but the setups are complicated and have low potential for integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical/acoustic trapping systems with a simple electrical field-based electrophoretic trap. Instead of using optical components, acoustic waves, or magnetic fields that require complicated setups, the invention uses electric fields applied through simple electrodes to generate trapping forces, dramatically reducing device complexity and enabling integration into compact devices.
3Force
If Paul traps are used to trap charged particles, then efficient trapping is achieved, but existing Paul traps are incompatible with liquid environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the fundamental parameter of the trapping mechanism from dielectrophoresis (which relies on polarizability and produces weak forces) to electrophoresis (which relies on charge and produces strong forces). By applying a DC electric field to charged particles in liquid, the system generates sufficiently strong trapping forces to stabilize small biomolecules like ssDNA that cannot be held by dielectrophoresis alone.
4Force
If electrophoresis is used to move charged particles, then strong forces are generated, but multipole fields are unsuitable for trapping applications due to saddle shape potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a time-varying electric field that dynamically adjusts the trapping potential. By modulating the field strength and direction over time, the system creates a moving potential well that continuously recaptures the particle, effectively stabilizing it despite the inherent instability of static multipole fields. This dynamic approach converts the unsuitable saddle-shaped potential into a usable trapping mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient control and stabilization of charged particles at the nanoscale, facilitating advanced applications like DNA sequencing by overcoming the limitations of existing trapping techniques and adapting Paul trap technology for liquid environments.
Implementation Method 1
electrical forces for achieving manipulations of particles in liquids... electrophoresis, in contrast, makes use of the interaction of an object's fixed charge and an electric field
Implementation Method 2
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces arise from an object's polarizability. By applying a nonuniform electric field, it is possible to induce a dipole moment on an uncharged particle and create either an attractive or repulsive force
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for trapping a charged particle is disclosed. A time-varying periodic multipole electric potential is generated in a trapping volume. A charged particle under the influence of the multipole electric field is confined to the trapping volume. A three electrode configuration giving rise to a 3D Paul trap and a four planar electrode configuration giving rise to a 2D Paul trap are disclosed.