AVS 45th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Group Monday Sessions
       Session BI-MoP

Paper BI-MoP4
Nanofabricated Structures for Laser Induced Fluorescence

Monday, November 2, 1998, 5:30 pm, Room Hall A

Session: Biomaterial Interfaces Poster Session
Presenter: M.E. Foquet, Cornell University
Authors: M.E. Foquet, Cornell University
A. Lopez, Cornell University
S.W. Turner, Cornell University
H.G. Craighead, Cornell University
Correspondent: Click to Email
Fabrication techniques of microfluidic systems are being developed for use in laser induced fluorescence studies of macromolecules. Devices with submicrometer size capillaries have been fabricated on glass substrates for the study of electrophoretic motion of biopolymers. The motion of individual DNA molecules can be observed and their speed estimated. Other devices integrating both optical waveguides and capillaries have been fabricated. The waveguides are included to perform fluorescence using lasers as light source, allowing for the excitation of very small volume combined with a very high intensity and a perfect alignment to the capillary. Gratings defined by electron-beam lithography are used for the coupling of light into the waveguide. The same fabrication process can readily be used to fabricate capillaries with dimensions down to 0.1 µm. Light has been coupled into the waveguide and the patterns of scattered light have been recorded. Excitation of fluorescent solution in the capillaries can be observed. We are now characterizing the efficiency and the optical properties of these structures.