Nano Printing Device with Joule Heating and Electrowetting for Raman Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing techniques face challenges in ejecting liquids with nano-sized particles due to strong surface tension, making precise nano-scale printing difficult, and Raman analysis of nano-scale objects is hindered by positioning issues and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A nano printing device with a nanopipette and plating layer, utilizing independent power supply units to reduce surface tension and viscosity, allowing for precise nano-scale printing and simultaneous Raman analysis through tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle hole size is reduced to nano scale for precise printing, then printing precision is improved, but liquid ejection becomes difficult due to strong surface tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting precisionVSAvoidliquid ejection

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the liquid solution to reduce its viscosity and surface tension, enabling ejection through the nanopipette. The heating unit changes the temperature parameter of the liquid, transforming its physical properties to facilitate flow through the nano-scale discharge hole while maintaining printing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If strong voltage or pressure is applied to eject liquid through micro-sized nozzle, then liquid ejection is achieved, but surface tension forces prevent effective ejection even under high voltage and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejectionVSAvoidsurface tension force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by heating the liquid solution to change its physical state properties. The heating unit induces a phase transition in the liquid's flow characteristics, reducing viscosity and surface tension to overcome the strong surface tension forces that prevent ejection, enabling liquid to be expelled through the nanopipette without requiring excessive pressure or voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Measurement precision

If Raman analysis is performed on nanoscale objects, then analytical capability is improved, but positioning accuracy and contamination control become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalytical capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing function and Raman analysis function into a single integrated apparatus. The Raman analysis unit is positioned to work in conjunction with the nanopipette, allowing simultaneous or sequential printing and analysis of the same location. This integration eliminates positioning errors between separate devices and prevents contamination by avoiding contact with forceps or other external tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If external tools like forceps are used to handle nanoscale objects, then object manipulation is possible, but contamination and deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject manipulationVSAvoidcontamination and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the system to print and analyze objects without requiring external manipulation tools. The nanopipette directly deposits liquid containing nanoparticles onto the substrate, and the integrated Raman analysis unit immediately analyzes the deposited structure. This eliminates the need for forceps or other external tools that would cause contamination or deformation, allowing the system to handle nanoscale objects autonomously and safely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 nano-scale printing and precise Raman analysis of nanostructures, reducing contamination and deformation risks, and allowing real-time analysis of printed nanostructures.

Implementation Method 1

a first power supply unit configured to apply heat to the nanopipette, wherein the first power supply unit electrically connects the liquid solution of the pipette body and the plating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second power supply unit configured to reduce a surface tension of the liquid solution at the discharge hole, wherein the second power supply unit electrically connects the plating layer and the metal layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Implementation Method 3

allowing for precise nano-scale printing and simultaneous Raman analysis through tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLocalized surface plasmon resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS11874203B2Nano printing device and Raman analysis apparatus using same

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION

AI summary

A Raman spectroscopy apparatus using a nano printing device is provided to perform Raman spectroscopy on nanoscale nanostructures printed from the nano printing device. The Raman spectroscopy apparatus includes a laser light source configured to generate and emit a laser light to the nanostructures, and a Raman detector configured to collect spectroscopic information from the light scattered by the nanostructures.