Nanopore Noise Shielding for Low Current Measurement Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nanopore membrane devices face challenges in measuring low-level ionic currents, which are susceptible to various noise sources, including external and internal noise, making it difficult to accurately detect changes in current through the nanopore for molecule characterization.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an integrated noise shield surrounding the nanopore device, comprising conductive layers and vertical shielding structures, effectively mitigates noise interference, allowing for more accurate low-current measurements by shielding both external and internal noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nanopore membrane devices are used for molecule characterization, then sensitivity for detecting ionic current changes is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise interference from external and internal sources
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the nanopore device and external noise sources. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic noise from reaching the sensitive measurement circuitry, thereby improving current measurement precision without affecting the nanopore's molecular detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful noise factor is extracted and isolated from the measurement system by implementing a separate shielding structure. The shielding layer captures and redirects noise away from the nanopore device, effectively removing noise interference from the measurement path while preserving the integrity of the ionic current signal
2Adaptability or versatility
If device dimensions are reduced for biochip miniaturization, then adaptability for biochemical applications is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is nested within the compact biochip architecture, with the conductive shielding layer integrated into the device layers surrounding the nanopore. This nested configuration provides noise protection while maintaining the miniaturized form factor and biochemical application adaptability of the biochip
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding protection is applied locally around the nanopore measurement region rather than throughout the entire device. This localized shielding approach minimizes the impact on device miniaturization while providing targeted noise protection where it is most needed for maintaining measurement precision
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
The integrated noise shield significantly enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of low-current measurements by reducing noise interference, enabling more reliable detection of changes in ionic currents through the nanopore, thereby improving molecule characterization.
Implementation Method 1
forming a conductive shielding layer over a nanopore device to shield the nanopore device from noise
Data Source
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AI summary
A device having an integrated noise shield is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of vertical shielding structures substantially surrounding a semiconductor device. The device further includes an opening above the semiconductor device substantially filled with a conductive fluid, wherein the plurality of vertical shielding structures and the conductive fluid shield the semiconductor device from ambient radiation. In some embodiments, the device further includes a conductive bottom shield below the semiconductor device shielding the semiconductor device from ambient radiation. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to allow a biological sample to be introduced into the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, the vertical shielding structures comprise a plurality of vias, wherein each of the plurality of vias connects more than one conductive layers together. In some embodiments, the device comprises a nanopore device, and wherein the nanopore device comprises a single cell of a nanopore array.