Tufts University

The Trustees of Boston College

Christopher Lafratta

David R Walt

John T Fourkas

Michael R Webb

The invention features a method for producing replicas of a desired structure, a master and a mold obtained from it for use in such a method. The master includes a desired structure () to be reproduced and an additional structure () that assists in removal of the master from a mold, e.g. by permitting portions of the mold on opposite sides of the additional structure to flex away from one another when the master is removed from the mold. The method includes immersing the master comprising the desired structure () and the additional structure () in a molding material (), solidifying the molding material () to make a mold, removing the master from the mold and using the mold to produce replicas of the desired structure (). For example, the desired structure of the master may include a loop that defines a fluid flow pathway, and the additional structure includes a membrane configured to prevent the molding material from completely passing through the loop when the mold is made from the master.

Structures and methods of replicating the same

Disclosed herein are systems that include: (a) an objective lens system configured to collect light from a sample; (b) a first aperture positioned to allow a portion of the collected light received from the objective lens system to pass as input light; (c) a first lens positioned to transmit the input light received from the first aperture; (d) a dispersive element configured to spatially disperse the input light received from the first lens in a first plane; (e) a second lens positioned to transmit the spatially dispersed light; (f) a second aperture positioned to allow a portion of the spatially dispersed light received from the second lens to pass as detection light; and (g) a detector positioned to receive the detection light and configured to form at least one image of the sample.

Growing community of inventors

Revere, MA, United States of America

Christopher Lafratta