Driving university research towards commercial production: automatic sample filling of large arrays of NMR micro-detectors

This master thesis project is funded by our European Research Council (ERC) project LiVoX. The main task of the Proof-of-Concept project LiVoX is to drive a novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detector microchip towards commercial viability.

The NMR detector microchip is mass fabricated in large numbers at the wafer level (typically up to 1000 devices per wafer). Because the sample cavity in a chip is very small, users need support in filling the detector chips with custom samples. The objective of this master thesis project is therefore to develop an efficient and reliable procedure to automate the filling of a large planar array of detectors with various types of analytes: liquids, gels, powders. In order to achieve the objective, several intermediary milestones need to be fulfilled:
• Development of a pipetting system for small volume (< 1µl) sample delivery and adapted to sample holders having inlets with small diameters (typically 300 - 500 µm);
• Study the wetting behaviour (surface energy) of various samples with respect to the sample holder material and adapting the pipetting system;
• Development of an automatic/motorised stage for filling large planar arrays (2500 detectors arranged in a 10 cm x 10 cm area) with a step size (pitch) of 2 mm;
• Sealing of the microchips to avoid sample loss.

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Abschlussart

Masterarbeit / Diplomarbeit

Branche

Maschinenbau und Betriebstechnik

Anforderungen

We are seeking a motivated, talented and enthusiastic MSc student to develop the first prototype of an automatic sample filling system. The task is very well suited to a person who is interested in automation for mass production, materials handling and mechatronics. The successful candidate must demonstrate previous practical technical achievement(s) and her/his must-have qualities are:
• A passion for practical details;
• A genuine interest in how are things are made, and curiousity for how things function;
• the ability to find simple, yet functional and efficient technical solutions for technical challenges.

Field of study: Mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, chemistry

Zusatzinformationen

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Bei entsprechender Eignung werden schwerbehinderte Bewerber/innen bevorzugt berücksichtigt.