Mtg with INT
Karl and I went to INT to meet with Mike Connolly and Rick Murante for preliminary discussions on the PFI project. Our role as proposed in the grant is to provide membranes capable of eliminating false positives by using ~20nm pnc-Si to reduce contamination.
Here’s a link to an INT video showing their process and prototype. (4 min)
Here are some images from their website:
In our meeting we were informed that they have a new system designed where more of the processing and electronics are contained in the cartridge. This new cartridge has more chambers inside for additional sample manipulation. INT is now hoping that we can provide membranes with 1um pores on one side of the chamber and 50-100 nm pores at the other end so that they can more specifically isolate portions of the sample.
We are waiting for specs for the new cartridge so that we can start creating a new filter design if need be. We also need to determine the feasibility of ultrasonic welding with the pnc-Si material. INT is getting an ultrasonic welder and would like to use this if possible. As an alternative, they suggested epoxy. Hopefully a lot more detail to come.