GCA:Using Glass Capillary Array as Filters

How Glass Capillary Arrays Work as Filters

The filtering mechanism of GCAs is purely physical and based on size exclusion. As demonstrated in our interactive simulation, when particles of varying sizes approach the GCA:

  • Particles smaller than the hole diameter pass through unimpeded
  • Particles larger than the hole diameter are blocked and bounce back
  • The filtering efficiency is absolute – there's no statistical probability of breakthrough for oversized particles

This deterministic behavior makes GCAs particularly valuable for applications requiring consistent, reliable filtration performance.

 

Key Advantages of GCA Filtration

  1. Precise Size Cutoff: Unlike membrane filters that may have pore size distributions, GCAs can be manufactured with highly uniform hole sizes
  2. High Flow Rates: The straight-through capillary design minimizes pressure drop
  3. Chemical Resistance: Glass construction provides excellent chemical compatibility
  4. Thermal Stability: Can operate at elevated temperatures where polymer membranes fail
  5. Cleanability: Smooth glass surfaces facilitate effective cleaning and regeneration

Critical Applications for 500nm-10μm Hole Sizes

The 500nm to 10μm range represents a sweet spot for numerous high-value applications where precise particle control is essential.

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing and EUV Lithography

Application: Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography for advanced microchip production

Why This Size Range Matters:

  • Modern semiconductor nodes (5nm, 3nm processes) are extremely sensitive to particle contamination
  • Even a single 50nm particle can cause a fatal defect in a microchip worth thousands of dollars
  • EUV photoresists and cleaning chemicals must be filtered to sub-micron levels

Specific Use Cases:

  • Process Gas Filtration: Removing particles from gases used in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and etching processes
  • Chemical Filtration: Ultra-pure cleaning solvents for wafer processing require filtration at 100-500nm levels
  • Cleanroom Air Filtration: While HEPA filters handle larger particles, GCAs can provide point-of-use filtration for critical processes

Economic Impact: A single contamination event in a semiconductor fab can cost millions in lost production. GCAs with 500nm-2μm holes provide the precision needed to prevent such costly failures.

2. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Applications

Application: Cell separation, sterile filtration, and bioprocessing

Why This Size Range Matters:

  • Bacteria typically range from 0.5-5μm in size
  • Yeast cells are generally 3-8μm
  • Mammalian cells range from 10-30μm
  • Viruses are typically 20-300nm

3. Analytical and Research Applications

Application: Sample preparation, particle size analysis, and research

Specific Use Cases:

  • Cell Sorting: Precise size-based separation of different cell types
  • Particle Size Standards: Creating monodisperse particle populations for calibration
  • Environmental Monitoring: Size-selective sampling of airborne or waterborne particles
  • Nanotechnology Research: Separating nanoparticles by size for characterization

Manufacturing Precision: The SZPhoton Advantage

Modern GCA manufacturing techniques can achieve remarkable precision:

  • Minimum hole size: Down to 500nm (0.5μm) as available from SZPhoton
  • Size uniformity: Coefficient of variation typically <5%
  • Aspect ratio: Length-to-diameter ratios of 100:1 or higher
  • Hole density: Millions of holes per square centimeter

This precision manufacturing enables the deterministic filtering behavior demonstrated in our interactive simulation.