A colloidal lithography route to zero mode waveguides.

POSTER

Abstract

Zero mode waveguides (ZMWs) are nano-apertures in a conducting film that enable single-molecule fluorescence measurements in the presence of up to micromolar concentrations of probes in solution. Here, we report on a method for fabricating ZMWs using a self-assembled mask made of polystyrene microspheres, thermal annealing, and metal evaporation. Data is presented characterizing the performance of these devices. Importantly, this fabrication technique provides a route to fully functional ZMWs without the need for expensive electron beam or deep-UV lithography.

*This work was supported by NIH grants R01GM080376 and R35GM118139 to Y.E.G., and by an NIAID pre-doctoral NRSA fellowship F30AI114187 to R.M.J.

Presenters

  • Shawn H. Pfeil

    • West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
    • West Chester University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics, West Chester University

Authors

  • Ryan M. Jamiolkowski

    • Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

  • Kevin Y. Chen

    • Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

  • Shane A. Fiorenza

    • Department of Physics, West Chester University

  • Alyssa M. Tate

    • Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

  • Shawn H. Pfeil

    • West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
    • West Chester University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics, West Chester University

  • Yale E. Goldman

    • Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania