Zeptoliter Pipette

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Zeptoliter pipette dispensing a droplet

Technology Marketing Summary

A zeptoliter is a volume of 1000 cubic nanometers, or that of a cube 10 nm on a side. Structures of this size may display size-dependent properties. They are interesting for their properties and as objects of scientific study. Until now there was no way to reliably dispense such volumes. The zeptoliter pipette can be used to dispense nanodroplets for use as seeds for bottom-up assembly of nanostructures, or for study of the properties of fluids.

DescriptionA nanorod or nanowire containing an alloy is heated in a transmission electron microscope until the alloy melts. Then the zeptoliter-sized droplet is released by directing the electron beam onto a small spot on the nanorod or nanowire to produce a pore through which the droplet is dispensed.Benefits

This apparatus offers a means to deposit droplets nanometers in diameter at a controlled location and with a controlled size.

Applications and Industries

The zeptoliter pipette may be used to create or seed bottom-up assembly of nanostructures. It may also be used to study nearly freestanding droplets.

More Information

Sutter and Sutter, “Dispensing and surface-induced crystallization of zeptolitre liquid metal-alloy drops,” Nature Materials, 6, 363-366 (2007) doi:10.1038/nmat1894

Technology Status

Technology ID	Development Stage	Availability	Published	Last Updated
BSA 08-13	Prototype	Available	04/13/2011	04/13/2011

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To:	Kimberley Elcess631-344-4151<elcess@bnl.gov>
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