Method and system using acoustic ejection for selective fluid deposition on a nonuniform sample surface

• Main Authors: MUTZ MITCHELL W, ELLSON RICHARD N, CAPRIOLI RICHARD MICHAEL
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.12.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS; ELECTRICITY; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TESTING

A method for selectively depositing analysis-enhancing fluid on a sample surface is disclosed. The method involves providing a sample having a surface that exhibits variations in a surface characteristic that corresponds to desirability for receiving an analysis-enhancing fluid. Once a site on the sample surface is selected according to the surface characteristic at the site, focused radiation, typically acoustic radiation, is applied in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the analysis-enhancing fluid from a reservoir. As a result, the droplet is deposited on the sample surface at the selected site. Optionally, the sample at the selected site is analyzed. Systems for selectively depositing analysis-enhancing fluids are also disclosed.