Direct analysis of textile dyes from trace fibers by automated microfluidics extraction system coupled with Q-TOF mass spectrometer for forensic applications.

Textile fiber is a common form of transferable trace evidence at the crime scene. Different techniques such as microscopy or spectroscopy are currently being used for trace fiber analysis. Dye characterization in trace fiber adds an important molecular specificity during the analysis.

Rapid fabrication of nanostructured surfaces using nanocoining.

A new process for creating high quality ordered arrays of nanofeatures called nanocoining is presented. A diamond die with a structured area of nanofeatures (1600 features in a 20 μm × 20 μm area) is used to physically transfer features to a mold surface. The die is attached to an actuator capable of producing an elliptical tool-path, the dimensions of which are process dependent and enable the die to match velocity with the moving mold during contact to avoid dragging the nanostructured area along the mold surface (smear).

Design, Modeling, Fabrication, and Evaluation of the Air Amplifier for Improved Detection of Biomolecules by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the air amplifier is being evolved as a highly engineered device to improve detection limits of biomolecules when using electrospray ionization. Several key aspects have driven the modifications to the device through experimentation and simulations. We have developed a computer simulation that accurately portrays actual conditions and the results from these simulations are corroborated by the experimental data.