Patent ID: 7041510
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: B01J,B01L,C12Q,C40B,G01N,G02B,H05H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process of merging distinct groups of particles in a planar assembly of particles which is formed on a substrate by sequential injection of a multiplicity of groups of particles of at least one type, said process comprising: a) providing a substrate comprising a light-sensitive planar electrode, the light-sensitive electrode being aligned with another planar electrode in substantially parallel arrangement, with said electrodes being separated by a gap, and the gap containing an electrolyte solution which is in contact with said electrodes; b) placing a group of at least one type of particles selected from a reservoir containing said at least one type of particles into the electrolyte solution so as to confine said injected particles into a first distinct segment of the light-sensitive electrode, wherein the first distinct segment is illuminated by an illumination source to delineated a first distinct illumination pattern on said light-sensitive electrode; c) translocating said confined particles to another distinct segment of the light-sensitive electrode, wherein said another distinct segment is illuminated by an illumination source to delineate another distinct illumination pattern on said light-sensitive electrode, wherein said another distinct segment either has no particles in it or has a planar assembly of particles in it; and `d) in said translocated particles with any particles in said another distinct segment of the light-sensitive electrode.