2010 R&D 100 Winner
The ARCHIMEDES Particle Metrology System from Affinity Biosensors, Santa Barbara, Calif., measures the mass, size, and density of particles, nanoparticles, and living cells with a million-fold increase in mass resolution when compared to other particle analysis technologies.
The system uses the principle of resonant mass measurement in which particles are suspended in fluid and are passed, one-by-one, through a MEMS-fabricated microchannel. This channel acts like a hollow tuning fork, mechanically resonating at a frequency near 400 kHz. As the particles move through the channel, they cause a change in the resonator mass that is detected via a change in its resonant frequency. Precise measurements down to 25 ppb are measured at a rate of 1,000 times per second for particle masses as small as a femtogram.
The sensors’ small size (~200 µm long), low mass, pure tone, and ultra-high resolution measurement of the sensor resonant frequency are key factors for the mass resolution.
Technology
Particle metrology system
Developer
Affinity Biosensors
Development Team
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| (l-r): Wenjiang Shen, Innovative Micro Technology and John Tedesco, Ken Babcock, Steve Markakis, and Stephen Strenn of Affinity Biosensors. |
The ARCHIMEDES Particle Metrology System Development Team:
Ken Babcock, Affinity Biosensors
Steve Markakis, Affinity Biosensors
Stephen Strenn, Affinity Biosensors
Wenjiang Shen, Innovative Micro Technology
John Tedesco, Affinity Biosensors
