Patent ID: 6763705
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An uncoated microcantilever detector apparatus comprising:a) at least a first microcantilever element being uncoated and comprising a material selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials and electrically semi-conductive materials; b) a substrate positioned adjacent said first microcantilever element and disposed relative to said first microcantilever element with a known, controlled gap therebetween, said substrate comprising a material selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials and electrically semi-conductive materials, said substrate further comprising means for attaching at least one sample upon said substrate proximate said first microcantilever element; c) a vibration detection means for detecting vibration of said first microcantilever element and providing vibration data; d) alternating voltage means disposed and connected for imposing an alternating voltage electrical signal to said substrate with respect to said first microcantilever element to induce vibration in said first microcantilever element; e) instrumentation means disposed and in communication with said first microcantilever element for receiving said vibration data and to determine frequency and amplitude of vibration of said first microcantilever element and for sensing and quantifying said alternating voltage electrical signal applied to said substrate with respect to said first microcantilever element; and further for detecting and quantifying differences in phase angle between said signal applied by said alternating voltage means and the signal generated by said vibration detection means; and f) said first microcantilever element, said substrate, said vibration detection means, said alternating voltage means, and said instrumentation means being configured to permit a test fluid to pass between said first microcantilever element and said substrate so that chemical interactions may occur between a component of said test fluid and a component of said sample.