Docker P.T. – TechConnect Briefs

The developments of a Helium Acoustic Levitation Environment for time resolved XFEL experiments

Dye E.R., Morris R.H., Newton M.I., Axford D., Aller P., Orville A.M., Docker P.T., Nottingham Trent University, UK

The study of proteins using X-ray diffraction either with synchrotrons or X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELS) has become ubiquitous. Of growing interest within the protein crystallographer community is the study of proteins as they interact [...]

Electromechanical Model for a Single Port Nano-Mechancial Beam Resonator

Kemp T., Docker P.T., Ward M.C.L., Jones I.P., The University of Birmingham, UK

A simple electromechanical model for a nano-mechanical, magneto-motively driven beam resonator is derived. The model is developed in order to determine the dynamic electrical properties of the resonator. This enables the pickoff and drive electronics [...]

The Optimisation of a Resonant Gas Sensor by Using Nano-Tectured Surfaces

Docker P.T., Kinnell P.K., Ward M.C.L., University of Birmingham, UK

This paper describes the potential for optimising a resonant gas sensor by using nano-textured surfaces. Initial modelling proved that a device with a nano-textured active layer could have its surface area increased by an order [...]

A Novel Method of Fabricating Optical Gratings Using the One Step DRIE Process on SOI Wafers

Cooper A.W., Docker P.T., Ward M.C., The University of Birmingham, UK

This paper describes a novel technique for manufacturing optical gratings by using the one step DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching) process. Using the notching effect documented in previous work when working with silicon on insulator [...]

NEMS Mass Sensor by Focused Ion Beam Fabrication

Boonliang B., Prewett P.D., Ward M.C.L., Docker P.T., Birmingham University, UK

Due to rising industrial demands (food, biology, control), there is a drive to develop smaller, more sensitive sensor-devices with real-time capability. The objective of this work is to utilise Focused Ion Beam (FIB) fabrication technology [...]

A Novel Microrheometer for Measuring Rheological Properties of Microquantities of Fluids

Lo C.S., Prewett P.D., Ward M.C.L., Docker P.T., University of Birmingham, UK

This paper describes a novel micromachined microrheometer, designed to measure the rheological properties of micro quantities of fluids. Measurements are achieved by monitoring the movement of superparamagnetic microbeads whilst in suspension in fluid when placed [...]

The Manufacture and Preliminary Testing of a Novel Bio-MEMS Filtration Chip

Docker P.T., Prince M., Kinnell P.K., Ward M.C.L., Ma X., Birmingham University, UK

In the clinical/microbiological laboratory there are currently several ways of separating specific cells from a fluid suspension. Conventionally cells can be separated based on size, density, electrical charge, light-scattering properties, and antigenic surface properties. Separating [...]

A Novel Method for Determining Optimum Etch Times for the One Step Dry Release Proces

Docker P.T., Kinnell P.K., Ward M.C., The University of Birmingham, UK

This paper details a novel method for determining the optimum etch times for releasing structures when using the authors one step dry release process. By using self releasing structures known as waffles the exact point [...]