Feature Quality in Array Fabrication

Abstract

A method, and apparatus and computer program products for executing the method. The method includes obtaining a set of multiple images of a target feature location on an array of multiple features, each image of the set representing the target feature location following deposition of a corresponding sub-set of multiple droplets for that feature. An overlay composite may be generated from the image set. The overlay composite may be used as a quality control tool, or in interrogating the array or processing results of the interrogation.

1 . A method of fabricating an array of features, comprising: 
 depositing multiple reagent droplets for each of multiple target feature locations so as to form the array of features;    obtaining a set of multiple images of a target feature location, each image of the set representing the target feature location following deposition of a corresponding sub-set of multiple droplets for that feature; and    storing the set on a storage medium.    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the multiple droplets are deposited from a pulsejet.  
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the set is stored on a storage medium and forwarded to a remote user of the array.  
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 1  additionally comprising: 
 exposing the array to a sample;    interrogating the array following the exposure and optionally processing results of the interrogation;    wherein either the interrogation or processing is based at least in part on the overlay composite.    
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein a result of the interrogation or processing is forwarded to a remote location.  
   
   
       6 . A method comprising transmitting data representing a result of the interrogation or processing from the method of  claim 5 .  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each droplet is a reagent droplet deposited in a cycle of in situ synthesis of a biopolymer at the target feature location on the array.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each droplet is ejected from a pulse-jet.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each droplet is a phosphoramidite droplet.  
   
   
       10 . A method of providing information of a target feature of a biopolymer array, the method comprising: 
 a) depositing at least one reagent droplet on a target feature location of the array;    b) obtaining an image of the target feature location,    c) repeating steps a) and b) to compile a set of two or more images representing the target feature location following deposition of droplets; and    d) generating an overlay composite from the set of images, wherein the overlay composite provides information on the target feature.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein steps a) and b) represent at least one cycle of in situ synthesis of a target feature.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein compiling a set of two or more images representing the target feature location further comprises collecting an image following deposition of 1 to 5 droplets.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein compiling a set of two or more images representing the target feature location further comprises collecting an image following deposition of 1 to 10 droplets.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the reagent droplet is deposited by a pulse-jet.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the overlay composite comprises a region of overlap of the droplets.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the method is performed simultaneously for multiple target feature locations.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the array is a polynucleotide array, and wherein each image represents the target feature location following deposition of at least one droplet of a nucleotide monomer.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 10 , additionally comprising altering the deposition of additional droplets for the target feature based at least in part on the overlay composite.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the information is size, shape, or location of the target feature.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , additionally comprising: 
 exposing the array to a sample; and    interrogating the array following the exposure and optionally processing results of the interrogation;    wherein the overlay composite controls interrogation at the target feature of the array.