Parallel Aperture Formation in Solid State Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming nanoscale apertures in solid state membranes using dielectric breakdown are inefficient and costly, as they require individual electronic control and are limited to forming apertures one at a time, making large-scale commercial application challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for forming multiple apertures in parallel in a solid state membrane using dielectric breakdown, where the membrane is contacted with ionic solutions on both sides and a voltage is applied across the membrane via electrodes, allowing for simultaneous formation of apertures across multiple target regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If individual electronic control is used for each aperture formation, then aperture precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to one-at-a-time fabrication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture precisionVSAvoidfabrication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the membrane surface into multiple target regions, each capable of independent aperture formation. By applying voltage through a bath configuration rather than individual electrodes, each region undergoes dielectric breakdown independently, enabling parallel fabrication while maintaining precision control in each segmented area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple individual aperture formation processes into a single parallel operation. Multiple apertures are formed simultaneously across different target regions by applying a common voltage through the ionic solution bath, combining what were previously sequential operations into one unified process step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If batch fabrication techniques are used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incompatibility with nanoscale feature production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication efficiencyVSAvoidnanoscale feature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical lithographic systems with an electrical field-based dielectric breakdown mechanism. By using high voltage applied through an ionic solution to create controlled breakdown at target regions, the process achieves nanoscale precision without the complexity and size limitations of conventional mechanical lithography tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of stationary object

If larger voltages are applied to form apertures in thicker membranes, then aperture formation capability is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to increased risk of membrane damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane thicknessVSAvoidmembrane damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an ionic solution bath as an intermediary medium between the voltage source and the membrane. The ionic solution allows voltage to be applied indirectly, enabling controlled dielectric breakdown at the membrane surface without requiring direct high-voltage contact that could cause damage. The bath acts as a mediator that distributes and controls the electrical field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enables the efficient and cost-effective formation of a large number of nanoscale apertures in a single process, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by allowing for simultaneous formation and achieving uniform aperture sizes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting all of the first surface area portion of the membrane with a first bath comprising ionic solution and all of the second surface area portion with a second bath comprising ionic solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

applying a voltage across the membrane via first and second electrodes in respective contact with the first and second baths comprising ionic solutions to form an aperture at each of a plurality of the target regions in the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric breakdown: Avalanche Breakdown

Data Source

PatentUS20250032994A1Methods and apparatus for forming apertures in a solid state membrane using dielectric breakdown

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 OXFORD NANOPORE TECH LTD

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for forming apertures in a solid state membrane using dielectric breakdown are provided. In one disclosed arrangement a plurality of apertures are formed. The membrane comprises a first surface area portion on one side of the membrane and a second surface area portion on the other side of the membrane. Each of a plurality of target regions comprises a recess or a fluidic passage opening out into the first or second surface area portion. The method comprises contacting all of the first surface area portion of the membrane with a first bath comprising ionic solution and all of the second surface area portion with a second bath comprising ionic solution. A voltage is applied across the membrane via first and second electrodes in respective contact with the first and second baths comprising ionic solutions to form an aperture at each of a plurality of the target regions in the membrane.