Particle detector

A particle detector for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is provided. The particle detector includes a substrate and at least one pair of sensing electrodes disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the nano-pores. The at least one pair of sensing electrodes are positioned adjacent to at least one of the nano-pores.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, ultra-pure water (UPW) is widely utilized in the fabrication process of wafers and cleaning process for reticles (photo-masks). For future advance semiconductor processes, nano-particles contained in ultra-pure water may contaminate wafers or reticles (photo-masks) and cause yield rate loss. Currently, there is no real time monitoring technique for detecting nano-particles in ultra-pure water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1schematically illustrates a process equipment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, the process equipment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fluid supplying apparatus100, a process chamber200physically connected to the fluid supplying apparatus100, and a control circuit300electrically connected to the fluid supplying apparatus100. In some embodiments, the fluid supplying apparatus100may include a supplying system110, a delivery pipe120, a sampling pipe130and a particle detector140. For example, the supplying system110may be a supplying system capable of supplying ultra-pure water (UPW) or a supplying system capable of supplying other liquidus fluid (e.g., chemical solution) or gaseous fluid (e.g., chemical gas). The delivery pipe120is physically connected between the supplying system110and the process chamber200such that the fluid (e.g., ultra-pure water or chemical solution) may be delivered from the supplying system110to the process chamber200through the delivery pipe120. The sampling pipe130is physically connected to the delivery pipe120and the particle detector140is installed in the sampling pipe130. To monitor the quality of the fluid delivered by the delivery pipe120, the sampling pipe130introduces a portion of the fluid delivered in the delivery pipe120to the particle detector140such that the portion of the fluid introduced and delivered in the sampling pipe130may flow through the particle detector140. When the portion of the fluid introduced and delivered in the delivery pipe120flows through the particle detector140, the particle detector140may detect and/or count nano-particles contained in the fluid so as to monitor the quality of the fluid delivered in the delivery pipe120.

In some embodiments, the particle detector140may be a replaceable component capable of being detached from the sampling pipe130easily.

As shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the delivery pipe120may include a delivery inlet120aconnected to the supplying system110and a delivery outlet120bconnected to the process chamber200, and the sampling pipe130may include a sampling inlet130aconnected to the delivery pipe120and a sampling outlet130bconnected to drain. The sampling inlet130ais connected to a middle section of the delivery pipe120and the middle section of the delivery pipe120is between the delivery inlet120aand the delivery outlet120b. The particle detector140is embedded in a middle section of the sampling pipe130and the middle section of the sampling pipe130is between the sampling inlet130aand the sampling outlet130b.

In some embodiments, the process chamber200may be a cleaning chamber for wafer cleaning, substrate cleaning, and/or reticles (photo-masks) cleaning. However, the function of the process chamber200is not limited in the present invention. In some alternative embodiments, other suitable process (e.g., etching process, thermal process or oxidation process) may be performed in the process chamber200.

As shown inFIG. 1, the control circuit300is electrically connected to the particle detector140. When the fluid introduced and delivered in the delivery pipe120flow through the particle detector140, nano-particles contained in the fluid may be detected and/or count by the particle detector140and detection and/or counting signal is generated from the particle detector140. The particle detector140may not only detect existence of nano-particles, but also may serve as a particle counter to monitor and estimate the number of nano-particles passing through the particle detector140. The detection and/or counting signal generated from the particle detector140is transmitted to and processed by the control circuit300. In some embodiments, the control circuit300may include a Volt-meter (i.e. voltage meter), an Am-meter (i.e. current meter), an Ohm-meter (i.e. resistor meter), a capacitance meter, and/or a Volt-Ohm meter (i.e. multi-meter).

In some embodiments, a flowmeter (not shown) may be implemented such that the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130and the concentration of nano-particles contained in the fluid may be monitored and estimated.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the particle detector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 3is a plane view of the particle detector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the particle detector140may be embedded in and assembled with the sampling pipe130. In some embodiments, the sampling pipe130may include a plurality of sectional pipes (e.g., a sectional pipe132and a sectional pipe134adjacent to the sectional pipe134) and the particle detector140may be sandwiched between the two adjacent sectional pipes133and134. To facilitate the assembling of the sampling pipe130and the particle detector140, a plurality of elastic elements150may be utilized. For example, two elastic elements150are installed on two opposite surfaces of the particle detector140such that the elastic elements150and the particle detector140may be clamped by the sectional pipe132and the sectional pipe134. The elastic elements150may serve as dampers between the sampling pipe130and the particle detector140so as to prevent the particle detector140from being damaged by the sampling pipe130. Furthermore, the elastic elements150may seal the gap between the sectional pipe132and the particle detector140as well as the gap between the sectional pipe134and the particle detector140so as to prevent the fluid from leaking. In some embodiments, the elastic elements150may be two O-rings sandwiched between the sectional pipe132and the particle detector140as well as the sectional pipe134and the particle detector140. In addition, the material of the elastic elements150may be rubber or other suitable elastic material.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the particle detector140may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of pairs of sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB may include a plurality of sensing nano-pores SNP and a plurality of dummy nano-pores DNP distributed therein, wherein the pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP. In some embodiments, the substrate SUB may be a semiconductor substrate (e.g., silicon substrate), and the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP distributed in the substrate SUB may be fabricated through photolithography and etch processes, for example. The pairs of sensing electrodes E are disposed on the substrate SUB. Each pair of sensing electrodes E is located adjacent to or around one of the sensing nano-pores SNP, respectively. As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, no sensing electrode is located adjacent to or around the dummy nano-pores DNP. The dummy nano-pores DNP may allow sufficient amount of fluid passing through the substrate SUB such that the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130may be maintained at a certain level. Since the dummy nano-pores DNP allows sufficient amount of fluid passing through the substrate SUB, the sampling rate is representative. Furthermore, since the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130is less than the flowrate of the fluid delivered in delivery pipe120, the particle detector140may bear the pressure differential across the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP. In the present embodiment, the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP may be substantially identical in pore size. In some alternative embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP may be different in pore size. For example, the pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP may be between about 5 nanometers to about 200 nanometers and the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP may be between about 5 nanometers to about 200 nanometers. The pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP may be determined in accordance with the particle size of the nano-particles to be detected. For example, the particle size of the nano-particles to be detected is about 20 nanometers when the pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP is about 100 nanometers; the particle size of the nano-particles to be detected is about 10 nanometers when the pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP is about 80 nanometers; and the particle size of the nano-particles to be detected is about 5 nanometers when the pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP is about 50 nanometers. Furthermore, the number and pore size of the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP may affect the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130. Since the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130is related to the number and the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP and the sensing nano-pores SNP, one skilled in the art may properly modify the number and the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP and the sensing nano-pores SNP in accordance with the flowrate of the fluid delivered in the sampling pipe130.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the number of the dummy nano-pores DNP is greater than the number of the sensing nano-pores SNP, for example. In addition, the sensing nano-pores SNP and the dummy nano-pores DNP are arranged in array, for example. However, the number of the dummy nano-pores DNP and the sensing nano-pores SNP fabricated in the substrate SUB is merely for illustration and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the particle detector140may merely include one sensing nano-pore SNP, at least one dummy nano-pore DNP (i.e. one or a plurality of dummy nano-pores DNP) and one pair of sensing electrodes E that is positioned adjacent to the sensing nano-pore SNP.

In another aspect, the particle detector140may include a substrate SUB and at least one pair of sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB may include a plurality of nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the nano-pores of the substrate SUB. The at least one pair of sensing electrodes E is positioned adjacent to at least one of the nano-pores. Furthermore, the above-mentioned nano-pores may have substantially identical or different pore sizes. For example, the pore size of the nano-pores may be between about 5 nanometers to about 200 nanometers. In some embodiments, only a portion of the nano-pores (e.g., one nano-pore or more than one nano-pores) fabricated in the substrate SUB are defined as sensing nano-pores SNP and one pair or more than one pairs of sensing electrodes E are disposed in the proximity of the sensing nano-pores SNP correspondingly. In this case, the particle detector may monitor whether nano-particles is contained in the fluid or not. In some alternative embodiments, not shown in the drawings, all of the nano-pores fabricated in the substrate are defined as sensing nano-pores (i.e. no dummy nano-pore is fabricated in the substrate) and each pair of sensing electrodes is disposed in the proximity of one of the sensing nano-pores, respectively. In this case, the particle detector may count nano-particles contained in the fluid.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the particle detector140may further include a plurality of conductive wirings W and a plurality of conductive pads P disposed on the substrate SUB. In some embodiments, the pairs of sensing electrodes E are electrically connected to the control circuit300through the conductive wirings W and the conductive pads P on the substrate SUB, for example. In some alternative embodiments, the electrical connection between the pairs of sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300may be achieved through other suitable conductive medium, such as anisotropic conductive film (ACF), anisotropic conductive paste (ACP) or the like.

FIGS. 4 through 8schematically illustrate various detection signals generated from the particle detector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB are, for example, electrically connected to an Am-meter (i.e. current meter) in the control circuit300. When nano-particles contained in the fluid pass through the sensing nano-pores SNP of the substrate SUB, current variation (e.g., the drop in current) may be detected and/or recorded through the sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300. The amplitude of the detected current variation is relevant to the particle size and the number of the detected nano-particle. Accordingly, through the detected current variation, the particle size and the number of the detected nano-particles may be estimated.

Referring toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB are, for example, electrically connected to an Ohm-meter (i.e. resistor meter) in the control circuit300. When nano-particles contained in the fluid pass through the sensing nano-pores SNP of the substrate SUB, resistance variation may be detected and/or recorded through the sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300. Through the detected resistance variation, the resistivity of the detected nano-particles may be measured and the ingredient of the detected nano-particles may be essentially identified. As shown inFIG. 5, when resistance drop is detected, the detected nano-particles may be identified as conductive particles. As shown inFIG. 6, when resistance raise is detected, the detected nano-particles may be identified as dielectric or insulating particles.

In some embodiments, the sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB may be electrically connected to a Volt-Ohm meter (i.e. multi-meter) in the control circuit300. When nano-particles contained in the fluid pass through the sensing nano-pores SNP of the substrate SUB, current variation and resistance variation may be detected through the sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300. In this case, through the detected current variation and resistance variation, not only the particle size and the number of the detected nano-particles may be estimated, but also the resistivity of the detected nano-particles may be measured and the ingredient of the detected nano-particles may be essentially identified.

Referring toFIG. 7andFIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB are, for example, electrically connected to a capacitance meter in the control circuit300. When nano-particles contained in the fluid pass through the sensing nano-pores SNP of the substrate SUB, capacitance variation may be detected and/or recorded through the sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300. Through the detected capacitance variation, the relationship between the dielectric constant of the detected nano-particles and the dielectric constant of the fluid may be identified. Furthermore, through the detected capacitance variation, the relationship between the permittivity of the detected nano-particles and the permittivity of the fluid may be identified. As shown inFIG. 7, when capacitance drop is detected, the dielectric constant and permittivity of the detected nano-particles is smaller than the dielectric constant and permittivity of the fluid. As shown inFIG. 8, when capacitance raise is detected, the dielectric constant and permittivity of the detected nano-particles is greater than the dielectric constant and permittivity of the fluid.

In some alternative embodiments, the sensing electrodes E disposed on the substrate SUB may be electrically connected to a capacitance meter and a Volt-Ohm meter (i.e. multi-meter) in the control circuit300. When nano-particles contained in the fluid pass through the sensing nano-pores SNP of the substrate SUB, capacitance variation, current variation and resistance variation may be detected through the sensing electrodes E and the control circuit300. In this case, through the detected capacitance variation, current variation and resistance variation, not only the particle size and the number of the detected nano-particles may be estimated, but also the resistivity of the detected nano-particles may be measured and the ingredient of the detected nano-particles may be identified. Furthermore, the relationship between the dielectric constant of the detected nano-particles and the dielectric constant of the fluid may be identified.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10are schematic views respectively illustrating the particle detector having various electrode designs in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, one sensing nano-pore SNP and a plurality of dummy nano-pores DNP formed in the substrate SUB are illustrated. As shown inFIG. 9, a pair of sensing electrodes E are disposed on two opposite sides or surfaces of the substrate SUB, the sensing electrodes E are, for example, ring-shaped electrodes disposed in the proximity of the sensing nano-pore SNP. Furthermore, the sensing nano-pore SNP is surrounded by each ring-shaped sensing electrode E.

Referring toFIG. 10, one sensing nano-pore SNP and a plurality of dummy nano-pores DNP formed in the substrate SUB are illustrated. As shown inFIG. 10, a pair of sensing electrodes E are disposed on the same side or one surface of the substrate SUB, the pair of sensing electrodes E include, for example, two arc-shaped electrodes disposed in the proximity of the sensing nano-pore SNP. Furthermore, the sensing nano-pore SNP is surrounded by the pair of arc-shaped sensing electrodes E.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the particle detector in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 11, in the present embodiments, a particle detector140A for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is illustrated. The particle detector140A includes a first detector140-1and a second detector140-2installed in the sampling pipe130, wherein the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the control circuit300is electrically connected to the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2of the particle detector140A. The first detector140-1of the particle detector140A may include a first substrate SUB1and at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The first substrate SUB1includes a plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1, wherein the pore size of the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1. The at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1are positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1. The second detector140-2of the particle detector140A may include a second substrate SUB2and at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The second substrate SUB2may include a plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2, the second substrate SUB2is spaced apart from the first substrate SUB1, wherein the pore size of the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2. The at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2are positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2.

The first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1may include at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP1and at least one first dummy nano-pore DNP1, and the at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1are positioned adjacent to the at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP1. The second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2may include at least one second sensing nano-pore SNP2and at least one second dummy nano-pore DNP2, and the at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2are positioned adjacent to the at least one second sensing nano-pore SNP2. The number of the first sensing nano-pore SNP1, the first dummy nano-pore DNP1, the second sensing nano-pore SNP2and the second dummy nano-pore DNP2is not limited in the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 11, to facilitate the assembling of the sampling pipe130and the particle detector140A, a plurality of elastic elements150may be utilized. For example, four elastic elements150are installed on two opposite surfaces of the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2such that the elastic elements150, the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2may be clamped by the sampling pipe130. In addition, the material of the elastic elements150may be rubber or other suitable elastic material. Furthermore, the control circuit300may include a Volt-meter (i.e. voltage meter), an Am-meter (i.e. current meter), an Ohm-meter (i.e. resistor meter), a capacitance meter, and/or a Volt-Ohm meter (i.e. multi-meter).

In some embodiments, the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2may be electrically connected to the same type meter in the control circuit300. In some alternative embodiments, the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2may be electrically connected to different types of meters in the control circuit300.

FIG. 12schematically illustrates detection signal generated from the particle detector in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2of the particle detector140A are, for example, electrically connected to a current meter in the control circuit300. Since nano-particles contained in the fluid may not move in constant speed in turbulent fluid flow, the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2arranged in series may detect the number and the particle size of the nano-particles with a higher resolution. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, when more than two nano-particles contained in the fluid simultaneously pass through the first sensing nano-pore SNP1in the first detector140-1, the detected current variation (e.g., current drop) resulted therefrom may be similar with the detected current variation resulted from one large scaled nano-particle. In this case, the second detector140-2may solve such problem because nano-particles contained in the fluid may not move in constant speed in turbulent fluid flow. In other words, one skilled in the art may compare the detected current variations detected by the first detector140-1and the second detector140-2to estimate the number and the particle size of the nano-particles with a higher resolution.

In some embodiments, the particle detector140A may be a replaceable component capable of being detached from the sampling pipe130easily.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the particle detector in accordance with yet some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 13, in the present embodiments, a particle detector140B for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is illustrated. The particle detector140B includes a first detector140-1, a second detector140-2and a third detector140-3installed in the sampling pipe130, wherein the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3are spaced apart from one other. Furthermore, the control circuit300is electrically connected to the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3of the particle detector140B. The first detector140-1of the particle detector140B may include a first substrate SUB1and at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The first substrate SUB1includes a plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1, wherein the pore size of the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1. The at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1are positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1. The second detector140-2of the particle detector140B may include a second substrate SUB2and at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The second substrate SUB2may include a plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2, the second substrate SUB2is spaced apart from the first substrate SUB1, wherein the pore size of the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2. The at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2are positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2. The third detector140-3of the particle detector140B may include a third substrate SUB3and at least one pair of third sensing electrodes E3disposed on the third substrate SUB3. The third substrate SUB3may include a plurality of third nano-pores SNP3/DNP3, the third substrate SUB3is spaced apart from the first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2, wherein the pore size of the plurality of third nano-pores SNP3/DNP3is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the plurality of third nano-pores SNP3/DNP3.

The first nano-pores SNP1/DNP1may include at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP1and at least one first dummy nano-pore DNP1, and the at least one pair of first sensing electrodes E1are positioned adjacent to the at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP1. The second nano-pores SNP2/DNP2may include at least one second sensing nano-pore SNP2and at least one second dummy nano-pore DNP2, and the at least one pair of second sensing electrodes E2are positioned adjacent to the at least one second sensing nano-pore SNP2. The third nano-pores SNP3/DNP3may include at least one third sensing nano-pore SNP3and at least one third dummy nano-pore DNP3, and the at least one pair of third sensing electrodes E3are positioned adjacent to the at least one third sensing nano-pore SNP3. The number of the first sensing nano-pore SNP1, the first dummy nano-pore DNP1, the second sensing nano-pore SNP2, the second dummy nano-pore DNP2, the third sensing nano-pore SNP3, the third dummy nano-pore DNP3is not limited in the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 13, to facilitate the assembling of the sampling pipe130and the particle detector140B, a plurality of elastic elements150may be utilized. For example, six elastic elements150are installed on two opposite surfaces of the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3such that the elastic elements150, the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3may be clamped by the sampling pipe130. In addition, the material of the elastic elements150may be rubber or other suitable elastic material. Furthermore, the control circuit300may include a Volt-meter (i.e. voltage meter), an Am-meter (i.e. current meter), an Ohm-meter (i.e. resistor meter), a capacitance meter, and/or a Volt-Ohm meter (i.e. multi-meter).

In some embodiments, the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3may be electrically connected to the same type meter in the control circuit300. In some alternative embodiments, the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3may be electrically connected to different types of meters in the control circuit300.

In some embodiments, the particle detector140B may be a replaceable component capable of being detached from the sampling pipe130easily.

FIG. 14andFIG. 15are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the particle detectors in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 13throughFIG. 15, the pore size of the nano-pores in the first detector140-1, the second detector140-2and the third detector140-3may be substantially identical or different. As shown inFIG. 14, the first nano-pores (e.g., the first sensing nano-pores SNP1), the second nano-pores (e.g., the second sensing nano-pores SNP2) and the third nano-pores (e.g., the third sensing nano-pores SNP3) may be substantially identical in pore size, for example. As shown inFIG. 15, the first nano-pores (e.g., the first sensing nano-pores SNP1), the second nano-pores (e.g., the second sensing nano-pores SNP2) and the third nano-pores (e.g., the third sensing nano-pores SNP3) may have different pore sizes, for example.

FIG. 16andFIG. 17are a plane view and a cross-sectional view of the particle detector in accordance with some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3,FIG. 16andFIG. 17, in the present embodiments, a particle detector140C for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is illustrated. The particle detector140C is similar with the particle detector140(shown inFIG. 3) except for the pore size design of the sensing nano-pores. As shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17, the particle detector140C may include at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP-a and at least one second nano-pore SNP-b, wherein the pore size of the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a is greater than the pore size of the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b. Furthermore, the pore size of the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b may be substantially equal to the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP, for example. In the present embodiment, the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a and the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b may be utilized to detect and/or monitor nano-particles having different particle sizes. However, the relationship between the dummy nano-pores DNP, the first sensing nano-pore SNP-a and the second sensing nano-pore SNP-b is not limited in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a and the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b of the particle detector140C may be electrically connected to the same type meter in the control circuit300. In some alternative embodiments, the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a and the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b of the particle detector140C may be electrically connected to different types of meters in the control circuit300.

In some embodiments, the particle detector140C may be a replaceable component capable of being detached from the sampling pipe130easily.

FIG. 18andFIG. 19are a plane view and a cross-sectional view of the particle detector in accordance with yet some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3,FIG. 18andFIG. 19, in the present embodiments, a particle detector140D for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is illustrated. The particle detector140D is similar with the particle detector140(shown inFIG. 3) except for the pore size design of the sensing nano-pores. As shown inFIG. 18andFIG. 19, the particle detector140D may include at least one first sensing nano-pore SNP-a, at least one second nano-pore SNP-b and at least one third nano-pore SNP-c, wherein the pore size of the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a is greater than the pore size of the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b, and the pore size of the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b is greater than the pore size of the third sensing nano-pores SNP-c. Furthermore, the pore size of the first sensing nano-pores SNP-a and the second sensing nano-pores SNP-b may be substantially equal to the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP, and the pore size of the third sensing nano-pores SNP-c may be substantially equal to the pore size of the dummy nano-pores DNP, for example. In the present embodiment, the first sensing nano-pore SNP-a, the second sensing nano-pore SNP-b and the third sensing nano-pore SNP-c may be utilized to detect and/or monitor nano-particles having different particle sizes. However, the relationship between the dummy nano-pores DNP, the first sensing nano-pore SNP-a, the second sensing nano-pore SNP-b and the third sensing nano-pore SNP-c is not limited in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the first sensing nano-pore SNP-a, the second sensing nano-pore SNP-b and the third sensing nano-pore SNP-c of the particle detector140D may be electrically connected to the same type meter in the control circuit300. In some alternative embodiments, the first sensing nano-pore SNP-a, the second sensing nano-pore SNP-b and the third sensing nano-pore SNP-c of the particle detector140D may be electrically connected to different types of meters in the control circuit300.

In some embodiments, the particle detector140D may be a replaceable component capable of being detached from the sampling pipe130easily.

The nano-pore design of the particle detector140C and/or the particle detector140D may be utilized in the architectures illustrated inFIG. 2,FIG. 11andFIG. 13in accordance with different requirements.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, a particle detector for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is provided. The particle detector includes a substrate and at least one pair of sensing electrodes disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the nano-pores. The at least one pair of sensing electrodes is positioned adjacent to at least one of the nano-pores.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, a particle detector for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is provided. The particle detector includes a substrate and pairs of sensing electrodes disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes sensing nano-pores and dummy nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the sensing nano-pores and the dummy nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the sensing nano-pores and the dummy nano-pores. The pairs of sensing electrodes are disposed on the substrate. Each pair of sensing electrodes is positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of sensing nano-pores, respectively. The at least one pair of sensing electrodes are positioned adjacent to the at least one sensing nano-pore among the plurality of nano-pores, and the at least one pair of sensing electrodes are not positioned adjacent to at least one dummy nano-pore among the plurality of nano-pores

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, a particle detector for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is provided. The particle detector includes a first substrate, at least one pair of first sensing electrodes disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate and at least one pair of second sensing electrodes disposed on the second substrate. The first substrate includes first nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the first nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the first nano-pores. The at least one pair of first sensing electrodes is positioned adjacent to at least one of the first nano-pores. The second substrate includes second nano-pores and is paced apart from the first substrate, wherein the pore size of the second nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the second nano-pores. The at least one pair of second sensing electrodes is positioned adjacent to at least one of the second nano-pores.