Fan Chen

US Patent:

8196218, Jun 5, 2012

Filed:

Mar 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/414069

Inventors:

Bingqian Xu - Athens GA, US
Fan Chen - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. - Athens GA

International Classification:

G01Q 60/40

US Classification:

850 41, 850 10, 850 52, 324693, 324661, 324664, 324425, 204556, 204547

Abstract:

An exemplary, highly integrated, SPM-based system for measuring the conductivity and/or force of substance under programmable engaging/stretching processes is described. A sample bias is applied across two electrodes. A substance to be measured is sandwiched between them. A first electrode is first brought relative to a second electrode (engaging) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. The process of engaging the electrodes continues until a certain current reached, a certain force reached and whichever case happens first. The electrodes are then separated (stretching) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. A periodic modulation can be applied to the engaging/stretching process to realize different stretch pathways. The sample bias across the electrodes is kept constant or swept in a programmable shape over time, described as a voltage-versus time curve.