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DailyTech – New Methods Combines Lasers and Holograms for Nanoassembly

Laser and hologram method could also be useful for positioning molecules in labs-on-a-chip

When it comes to nanodevices, scientists have no problem cooking up interesting designs.  However, when it comes to actually assembling such machines on a nanoscale, it can be a daunting task.

A breakthrough from Purdue University offers up a new technique that may be extremely useful in such nanoassembly.  The new method uses lasers and holograms to position multiple nanoparticles within seconds, much faster than previously possible.  The method could also be very helpful to labs on the chip, which need to direct tiny molecules to tiny test locations.

The name for the new process — rapid electrokinetic patterning — is a bit overwhelming, but it’s an incredibly promising technology according to researcher Stuart J. Williams.  Mr. Williams, who is working with doctoral student Aloke Kumar and Steven T. Wereley, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, states, “It’s potentially a very versatile tool.”