Copper laser speeds gene analysis

17 Jun 2002

Metal pins micromachined with a copper-vapor laser help researchers to decode the human genome faster.

Micro pin

A copper-vapor laser is helping to speed up decoding of the human genome. Pin-like devices micromachined with the source can be mounted in more dense arrays on a robotic arm, increasing the throughput of vast amounts of genetic data.

Researchers from a UK-based collaboration between BioRobotics, Cambridge University and Oxford Lasers, use the laser to machine stainless steel or tungsten pins. Each one contains a 10 µm wide capillary slot leading to a reservoir 1 mm long and 100 µm wide. The high-precision features are made with tolerances of less than 1 µm in only 2.5 minutes.

With such high-precision features, the pins have found an application in the human genome project, which provides an insight into human genetic structure. Owing to the vast number of genes to be studied, geneticists need techniques that allow them to analyze many thousands of genes simultaneously.

Capillary edge

The pins are used in conjunction with a technology known as microarraying. This involves depositing an ordered array of genetic material onto a solid substrate, and is useful because it enables genetic analysis on a massively parallel scale. Pin geometries are reduced using copper-vapor machining, so that more dense arrays can now be produced.

Both the 511 and 578 nm wavelengths of the laser are used to machine the pins. The laser has typical pulse durations of 10-50 ns. Although the laser can produce 50 W, a 12 W beam is typically used.

BioRobotics has now subcontracted the manufacture of all of its reservoir pins to Oxford Lasers. Martyn Knowles, technology manager in the industrial division of Oxford Lasers, said: "We produce approximately 1000 pins per month that are then mounted into the robotic arms of BioRobotics machines."

"We are providing a leading technology with higher density and throughput," he added. "Our method is 10 to 20 times faster than others and produces a pin which lasts longer."