Self-Aligned Electrospray Device

Electrospray systems hold significant importance in various fields, such as analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, because of their ability to create a fine aerosol of liquid. As the applications of these systems advanced, it became crucial for them to provide precise control over fluid manipulation. However, conventional electrospray systems lacked the efficient design to offer this much-needed precision. Existing solutions have faced issues with critical precision and control of the fluid manipulation. The predicament mostly lies in the design structure and inefficiency of the technologies that fail to optimize electric potential difference to control fluid movement. These drawbacks in conventional systems have precipitated the need for a more advanced technology like the self-aligned electrospray device.

Technology Description

This innovative technology is a specially designed self-aligned electrospray device. The device is mainly constructed from a silicon wafer and includes a fluid reservoir and circuit. The silicon wafer features a layer of insulating material atop it and a deposited layer of conducting material, both of which have through holes. A specialized feature of this device is the electro-insulating layer that can be undercut. The fluid reservoir is strategically attached to the bottom surface of the silicon wafer to accommodate fluid. What sets this technology apart is its self-alignment capability, making it highly efficient and precise. Moreover, the magic happens when the circuit provides an electric potential difference and couples it between the layer of conductive material and the fluid reservoir. This electric potential difference enables the device to achieve a controlled manipulation of fluid present in the reservoir, opening up an array of possibilities for its applications.