WO2002000937A1

WO2002000937A1 - Selective polarization matching filter for triggering and maximizing rapid dielectrokinesis response

Info

Publication number: WO2002000937A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/020461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas L. Afilani
Original assignee: Dkl International, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-06-28
Filing date: 2001-06-28
Publication date: 2002-01-03
Also published as: AU2001273026A1

Abstract

A composition of matter utilizes the pre-polarized DNA (sodium salt for chemical stability) of a predetermined animate entity operating as the dielectric replicate matching reference material. The pre-polarized DNA is in an electret state with long lasting polarization or is in a ferroelectric state with permanent polarization depending upon how chemically stable the DNA's backbone phosphate group component is and whether the DNA can replicate itself in the local background chemistry where it resides. The DNA operates as a nm-size-scale double-helical-structured biological ferroelectric or electret via highly asymmetric (electron/proton) hydrogen-bond dipoles weakly linking the two oppositely-directed complementary helixes containing the entities' multiple base pair nucleotides (e.g., for human entity there are two base pairs; 'GC'/'AT') hydrogen-bonded weakly linked by dipoles in a nearly innumerable combinations/permutations to construct (with proteins) various chromosomes underlying entities' genetic specificity code/genome. The dielectric replicate matching reference material is used to make a detection device component that triggers and maximizes, when the poled, pre-polarized material/component is subject to externally initiated spinning (set in rotary motion by the detection device's human operator), a dielectrokinesis (phoresis)-like phenomena (force, torque) in exactly the opposite manifestation of the operative mode of dielectrokinesis (phoresis) compared to that which occurs when the component and material are not pre-polarized (poled), both of which can be used to detect the presence of specific entities of a predetermined type that contain as a major component the matching dielectric material. Detectors using specific combinations of poled and non-poled components and materials can detect and localize the line-of-bearing position presented by a specific entity irrespective of the presence or absence of any type intervening visual obstructuring material structures or barriers, lighting conditions, weather conditions or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Description

SELECTIVE POLARIZATION MATCHING FILTER FOR TRIGGERING AND MAXIMIZING RAPID DIELECTROKINESIS RESPONSE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the fields of dielectrokinesis (phoresis), dielectric relaxation dynamics, electronic devices and systems and, more particularly, to a selective polarization matching filter for triggering and maximizing the dielectrokinesis response in the detection of specific entities consisting of organic and inorganic materials via detection of a force or replenishment energy density of stored electrical energy.

The detection of the presence or absence of specific entities — human beings, plastics

(mixtures of various polymers and with additives) and other organic/inorganic materials ~ irrespective of the presence of intervening vision-obstructing structures or EMI signals has uses in very diverse applications such as: (a) fire fighting and rescue; (b) national border security; (c) transportation security in pre-boarding planes, trains and automobiles; (d) new and old construction industry; (e) law enforcement; (f) military operations; (g) anti-shoplifting protection; (h) other security and emergency needs and operations, etc.

It is known that humans, animals and other animate species generate an external electric field and gradients thereof. For example, in human physiology, the central and peripheral nervous system neurons, the sensory system cells, the skeletal muscular system, as well as the cardiac conduction cells and cardiac muscle system cells all operate by a depolarization and repolarization phenomena occurring across their respective cellular membranes, which are naturally in a dielectric polarization state. The trans-membrane ion currents and potentials utilizing Na⁺¹, K⁺¹ ions, etc., all work to establish a resting potential across the cell membranes that can be characterized as a high state of polarization. The ion concentration (moles/cm ) within and surrounding the unmyelinated cell axon establish the resting potential. The fluids themselves are neutral. What keeps the ions on the membrane is their attraction for each other across the membrane.

Independent of this process the CF¹ ions tend to diffuse into the cell since their concentration outside is higher. Both the K⁺¹ and CT¹ diffusion tend to charge the interior of the cell negatively and the exterior of the cell positively. As charge accumulates on the membrane surface, it becomes increasingly difficult for more ions to diffuse. K⁺¹ ions trying to move outward are repelled by the positive charge already present. Equilibrium is reached when the tendency to diffuse because of the concentration is balanced by the electrical potential difference across the membrane. The greater the concentration difference, the greater the potential difference across the membrane. The resting potential can be calculated by the Nernst Equation, wherein the potential

such that:

kT Co

Voltage(potential) = 2.30 — log — ₇ ze Ci

where Co and Ci are ion concentrations inside and outside, k is the Boltzmann constant, T is absolute temperature, e is the charge on the electron and z is the valence (number of electron charges) on the ion.

The nerve and conduction impulses, as well as the sensory, cardiac, and muscular action potentials and subsequent responses are manifested via sequential periodic pulses (waves) resulting in first rapid depolarization and, shortly after, rapid repolarization to reestablish the rest state, namely, the original polarization state of the membrane. The transverse membrane ion currents produce a dipole charge that moves along the cell membrane. The greater the stimulus the more the pulses that are produced along the membrane.

The action potentials are related to the ratio of the respective ion concentrations inside and outside the different types of membranes. The resultant polarization electrical field distribution pattern has a high degree of spatial non-uniformity and can be characterized as a bound dipolar charge distribution pattern. A detailed discussion of the human generated electric field can be found in R.A. Rhodes, Human Physiology, Harcourt Brace Javanovich (1992) and D.C. Gianocoli, Physics Principles with Applications, Prentice Hall (1980), the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Alternatively, the external electric field and gradients thereof can be supplied by an external source via static electrification for use with inanimate targets such as plastics, metals, water, etc.

It would be advantageous to be able to detect the external electric field and gradients thereof, either generated naturally by an animate species or induced by an external source, on an entity specific basis. It would further be advantageous to enable this detection at great distances and through obstructions. It has been discovered that such detection is possible using the selective polarization matching filter in accordance with the present invention in conjunction with the principles of dielectrophoresis.

Dielectrophoresis describes the force upon and mechanical behavior of initially neutral matter that is dielectric polarization charged via induction by external spatially non-uniformity electric fields. The severity of the spatial non-uniformity of the electric field is measured by the spatial gradient (spatial rate of change) of the electric field. A fundamental operating principle of the dielectrophoresis effect is that the force (or torque) in air generated at a point and space in time always points (or seeks to point) in the same direction, mainly toward the maximum gradient (non-uniformity) of the local electric field, independent of sign (+ or -) and time variations (DC or AC) of electrical fields (voltages) and of the surrounding medium dielectric properties.

The dielectrophoresis force magnitude depends distinctively nonlinearly upon the dielectric polarizibility of the surrounding medium, the dielectric polarizibility of initially neutral matter and nonlinearly upon the neutral matter's geometry. This dependence is via the Clausius-Mossotti function, well-known from polarizibility studies in solid state physics. The dielectrophoresis force depends nonlinearly upon the local applied electric field produced by the target. The dielectrophoresis force depends upon the spatial gradient of the square (second power) of the target's local electric field distribution at a point in space and time where a detector is located. The spatial gradient of the square of the local electric field is measured by the dielectrophoresis force produced by the induced polarization charge on the detector. This constant-direction-seeking force is highly variable in magnitude both as a function of angular position (at fixed radial distance from the target) and as a function of the radial position (at a fixed angular position) and as a function of the "effective" medium polarizibility. The force's detection signature is a unique pattern of the target's spatial gradient of the local electric field squared, with the detector always pointing (seeking to point) out the direction of the local maximum of the gradient pattern. All experimental results and equations of dielectrophoresis are consistent with the fundamental electromagnetic laws (Maxwell's equations).

It is conventional for initially neutral matter to exhibit regular "para-electric" (closely related to) phenomena called dielectrophoresis (i.e., force and torque pivots the initially neutral matter to align itself with the spatial position of the local maximum spatial gradient of the external electric field squared), however, this need not always be the case. The normal para- electric dielectrophoresis response is generally the result of a two-step process: (1) induced polarization of the initially neutral matter by the external electric field pattern, followed by (2) action of the spatially non-uniform external electric field pattern upon the induced dipole within the neutral matter to produce a conventional para-electric dielectrophoresis force and torque rotating the neutral matter around a pivot line in order to align the long dimension of the neutral matter with the spatial position of the maximum spatial gradient of the external electric field squared.

An exact opposite operative mode of the dielectrophoresis phenomena occurs, an unconventional "apo-electric" (away from; separate) electric dielectrophoresis force and torque can arise if, for example, the initially neutral matter has already been both (1) previously strongly pre-polarized (e.g., permanent dipole ferroelectric material (such as BaTiO₃, PbTiO₃ or Ba_xSr_yTiO₃ (where x + y =1), etc.) or a long lasting dipole electret material (such as Carnauba wax, Teflon™ (polytetrafluoroethylene), or Mylar™ (polyethyleneterephthalate), etc.) both made by "poling" or subjecting the neutral matter to a strong external DC voltage with or without an external, elevated temperature) and (2) the neutral matter is being spun about an axis of rotation. The apo-electric dielectrophoresis force and torque rotates the "poled" neutral matter around a pivot line in order to align the long dimension of the neutral matter with the spatial position of the local minimum spatial gradient of the external electric field squared. The apo-electric response is self -extinguishing in that, when the "poled" neutral matter is made to stop spinning, the poled neutral matter now exhibits para-electric dielectrophoresis phenomena (force, torque) in exactly the same operative mode as exhibited by non-poled, non- prepolarized neutral matter (rotation to point toward the local maximum spatial gradient of the external electric field squared).

The unconventional apo-electric dielectrophoresis response is the strongest when the axis of rotation of the ferroelectric or electret material is at a right angle to the external electric field direction. The apo-electric dielectrophoresis response is negligible if the axis of rotation is parallel to the external field direction. The apo-electric response will thus occur only for the component of the external electric field perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The application of an external electric field to a material system capable of making an unconventional, apo- electric dielectrophoresis response increases the energy state of the system. The application of para-electric dielectrophoresis response decreases the energy state of the system. The source of energy in both situations is the entity (human operator) providing the spinning of the poled materials and sampling of the external electric field spatial gradient pattern.

The apo-electric unconventional dielectrophoresis response, although predicted many years ago has not yet been observed for macroscopic bodies (like humans), H. A. Pohl, J.

Electrochemical Society, 115, 155c (1968). On the molecular size scale, for example, an apo- electric dielectrophoresis-type response is used in a vital step in the maser/laser operation to artificially shift the population of excited states before the masing/lasing effect begins (C. H. Townes, Science, 149, 831 (1965)).

There are five known modes of dielectric polarization. These include: electronic polarization, where electron distribution about the atom nuclei is slightly distorted due to the imposed external electric field; atomic polarization, where the atom's distribution within initially neutral matter is slightly distorted due to the imposed external electric field; nomadic polarization, where in very specific polymers, etc., highly delocalized electron or proton distribution is highly distorted over several molecular repeat units due to the imposed external electric field; rotational polarization (dipolar and orientational), where permanent dipoles (H₂O, NO, HF) and orientable pendant polar groups (-OH, -CI, -CN, -NO₂) hung flexibly on molecules in material are rotationally aligned toward the external electric field with characteristic time constants; and interfacial (space charge) polarization, where inhomogeneous dielectric interfaces accumulate charge carriers due to differing small electrical conductivities. With the interfacial polarization, the resulting space charge accumulated to neutralize the interface charges distorts the external electric field with characteristic time constants.

The first three modes of dielectric polarization, electronic, atomic and nomadic, are molecular in distance scale and occur "instantaneously" as soon as the external electric field is imposed and contribute to the dielectric constant of the material at very high frequencies (infrared and optical). The last two polarization modes, rotational and interfacial, are molecular and macroscopic in distance scale and appear dynamically over time with characteristic time constants to change (usually increase) the high frequency dielectric response constant toward the dielectric constant at zero frequency. These characteristic material time constants control the dielectric and mechanical response of a material.

The modes of polarization and their dynamics in contributing to the time evolution of dielectric constants are discussed in various publications, such as H. A. Pohl, Dielectrophoresis, Cambridge University Press (1978); R. Schiller Electrons in Dielectric Media, C. Ferradini, J. Gerin (eds.), CRC Press (1991), and R. Schiller, Macroscopic Friction and Dielectric

Relaxation, IEEE Transactions on Electrical Insulation, 24, 199 (1989). See also, Herbert A. Pohl, Dielectrophoresis: The Behavior of Neutral Matter in Non-Uniform Electric Fields, Cambridge University Press (1978). A. D. Moore (Editor), Electrostatics and its Applications, Chapters 14 and 15 (Dielectrophoresis), Wiley/Interscience (1973), pages 336-376. These teachings are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The human-based complex composite dielectric material (hair) is responsible for performing the device's triggering/optimization mechanism of previous inventions for the selective polarization filter (SPF) component. This was analyzed in a curiosity-driven research attempt to begin to isolate the essential dielectric material associated with the device's extraordinary performance. Standard biochemical protocols for extracting DNA from soft human tissues were utilized on the hard solidified human hair tissue for a seventy-two (72) hour extraction time period. UV and IR spectra of the extraction solution showed many features consistent with (but not totally definitive) the presence of DNA, RNA and other cellular constituents.

Devices made with selective polarization filters (SPFs) containing DNA-extracted human hair showed no functionality whatsoever compared to devices which functioned normally when made with SPFs containing non-extracted human hair. Such a surprising experimental result led to a determination if DNA alone might be the primordial SPF dielectric material causing ignition of the triggering mechanism and optimization of the performance phenomena.

Human placenta DNA alone (sodium salt for chemical stability), with loadings as low as 0.05 mg, was incorporated into multiple selective polarization filters (SPFs). Biophysics sensors made with these DNA-only SPFs functioned normally, including the ability to respond to only human targets with no reaction to the presence of mammals or other entities as targets. Likewise, incorporation of calf thymus DNA alone (sodium salt), at similar and higher loadings in multiple SPFs, creates biophysics sensors that detect seemingly only beef cattle and not humans or other mammalian targets (horses). These challenging experimental results leads to a working product concept of a species-specific biophysics detector incorporating species detection target DNA only in the critical SPF filter "DNA dielectric component."

A composition of matter utilizes the pre-polarized DNA (sodium salt for chemical stability) of a predetermined animate entity operating as the dielectric replicate matching reference material. The pre-polarized DNA is in an electret state with long lasting polarization or is in a ferroelectric state with permanent polarization depending upon how chemically stable the DNA's backbone phosphate group component is and whether the DNA can replicate itself in the local background chemistry where it resides. The DNA operates as a nm-size scale double-helical-structured biological ferroelectric or electret via highly asymmetric (electron/proton) hydrogen-bond dipoles weakly linking the two oppositely-directed complementary helixes containing the entities' multiple base pair nucleotides (e.g., for human entity there are two base pairs: "GC'V'AT") hydrogen-bonded weakly linked by dipoles in nearly innumerable combinations/permutations to construct (with proteins) various chromosomes underlying entities' genetic specificity code/genome (number of chromosomes varies from 2 to 300 for various animate entities; human entity number is 46).

The present invention relates to a modified selective polarization matching filter formed of compositions of matter using the pre-polarized DNA (sodium salt for chemical stability) of a predetermined animate entity operating as the dielectric replicate matching reference material. The pre-polarized DNA is in an electret state with long lasting polarization or is in a ferroelectric state with permanent polarization depending upon how chemically stable the DNA's backbone phosphate group component is and whether the DNA can replicate itself in the local background chemistry where it resides. The DNA operates as a nm-size-scale double- helical-structured biological ferroelectric or electret via high asymmetric (electron/proton) hydrogen-bond dipoles weakly linking the two oppositely-directed complementary helixes containing the entities' multiple base pair nucleotides (e.g., for human entity there are two base pairs: "GC'V'AT") hydrogen-bonded weakly linked by dipoles in nearly innumerable combinations/permutations to construct (with proteins) various chromosomes underlying entities' genetic specificity code/genome (number of chromosomes varies from 2 to 300 for various animate entities; human entity number is 46). The composition of matter serves as a dielectric replicate matching reference material that is used to make a detection device component that triggers and maximizes, when the pre-polarized material is set in rotary motion an apo-electric dielectrokinesis phenomena (force, torque) in exactly the opposite direction to that which occurs when the component and material are not pre-polarized, a para-electric dielectrokinesis phenomena, both of which can be used to detect the presence of specific entities of a predetermined type that contain as a major component the matching dielectric material. The opposite direction phenomena exhibited by the pre-polarized material is self- extinguishing, when placed in a specific detection device, and the pre-polarized material is not spinning, the component exhibits dielectrokinesis (force, torque) in exactly the same direction as that exhibited by non-pre-polarized materials. Different designs and materials enable the detection of various animate entities including human beings, animals, etc. Detectors operate irrespective of the presence or absence of any type of intervening visual obstructing material structures or barriers, lighting or weather conditions or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

A non-poled selective polarization matching filter of the copending application noted above is formed of compositions of matter using initially neutral material chosen to be an exact dielectric replicate of an entity to be detected via dielectrokinesis (phoresis). The filter is an important element in triggering and also maximizing both the mechanical torque and energy replenishment modes using dielectrokinesis (phoresis) methods to detect entities.

This filtering action applies to a practically limitless range of materials to be detected as an entity of interest target. The detection materials include, for example, nano-structured human keratin protein polymer for human detection, nano-structured animal keratin protein polymer for animal detection, specific plastic (mixture of polymers and additives) for plastic detection, and the like. The dielectric replicate material comprising the selective polarization filter functionally performs a spatial dielectric property matching between the entity of interest and a locator device to locate the entities. The filter enables the device to operate using the dielectrokinesis (phoresis) phenomena to specifically detect only those entities matching the dielectric response signature of the polarization filter component. The dielectric signature includes both the dielectric constant and dielectric loss frequency spectra and all characteristic time constants controlling the polarization evolution/mechanics in external electric fields.

There are two primary elements for the dielectrokinesis entity location detection device to operate. The first element is an external electric field and spatial gradients thereof, and the second element is the selective dielectric polarization matching filter of the present invention. As noted above, the external electric field and gradients thereof can be provided by the entity of interest itself as is the case when animate species are the entities of interest to be detected. Alternatively, the external electric field and gradients thereof can be supplied by an external source via static electrification as is the case when inanimate entities are the entities of interest to be detected. The selective polarization matching filter embodied in this invention can be used in the detection device itself as either a passive or active circuit component (no flowing or flowing continuous electric current, respectively). The selective polarization matching filter embodied in this invention can be used with conventional electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, etc.) in the overall operational design of the type of locator device used to detect the presence or absence of a specific entity of a predetermined type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and objects of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of the human DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) molecule showing its double helical structure with two base pairs A-T and G-C in detail with the weak hydrogen asymmetric dipole bonds linking the two oppositely-directed complementary helixes together and defining species' genetic specificity code or genome;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic drawing of an entity, a ground plane, the locating device using the non pre-polarized neutral matter for a para-electric selective polarization filter and the entity's electric field lines;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic drawing of an entity, a ground plane, the locating device using the pre-polarized neutral matter for an apo-electric selective polarization filter and the entity's electric field lines;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment apo-electric pre-polarized selective polarization matching filter produced by encapsulating within the filter the chemically stabilized DNA of the animate entity of a predetermined type according to the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment apo-electric pre- polarized selective polarization matching filter produced by encapsulating within the filter the chemically stabilized DNA of the animate entity of a predetermined type according to the present invention; and FIGURE 6 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment apo-electric pre-polarized selective polarization matching filter produced by encapsulating within the filter the chemically stabilized DNA of the animate entity of a predetermined type according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The external electric field and gradients thereof of the target entity defines a specific polarization pattern for the entity. In order to detect the target entity electric field and gradients thereof, it is necessary to impart an opposite polarization pattern on a detector element such as an antenna or the like. The selective polarization matching filter according to the present invention serves as a matching bridge between the detector operator and the opposite polarized detector component to generate the opposite polarization pattern.

FIGURE 1 shows pre-polarized human DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) molecule 101 with its oppositely-directed complementary helixes 102 and 103. The backbone of each helix contains repeat units 104 strongly linking a 5 -carbon ribose sugar 105 and phosphate 106 groups. The unit is attached to one of four bases "A" (adenine) 107, "T" (thymine) 108, "G" (guanine) 109 and "C" (cytosine), 110, grouped in base pairs like A-T, 111, linking the two helixes via weak asymmetric (electron/proton) hydrogen-bond dipoles, 112 forming a complex ferroelectric-like material with a preferred direction either parallel 113 (or perpendicular 114) to the common long (or short) axes of the oppositely-directed helixes making up the DNA molecule where the hydrogen-bond dipole array is considered to have net components parallel and perpendicular to the common long axis.

FIGURE 2 shows a target entity of interest 200 and a surrounding ground plane 202. The entity's polarization charges 201 produce non-uniform electric field lines 204 that have a unique spatial pattern as shown. The non-uniform electric field lines 204 also have a unique electric field spatial pattern (not shown). The non-uniform electric field lines 204 terminate on the surrounding ground plane 202 and induce opposite polarization charges 203 thereon. An initially neutral matter or medium 205, such as the device of the previous invention, is shown amidst the non-uniform electric field lines. The neutral matter 205 includes a cavity 206 filled with a specific dielectric material 207. The non-uniform electric field lines induce polarization charges 209 and 210 in the dielectric material 207. The neutral matter 205 also contains protuberant antennas that form a pivot line 211 that is perpendicular to the plane containing FIGURE 2. The para-electric dielectrophoretic-like force manifests itself as an easily detected torque motion of the antennas 208 about the pivot line 211 as the initially neutral matter or medium 205 moves (is rotated or is spinning) as the device samples the non-uniform electric field lines 204. The protuberant antennas 208 generate torque to align themselves with the maximum spatial gradient of the electric field lines 204.

FIGURE 3 shows a target entity of interest 300 and a surrounding ground plane 302. The entity's polarization charges 301 produce non-uniform electric field lines 304 that have a unique spatial pattern as shown. The non-uniform electric field lines 304 also have a unique spatial pattern (not shown). The non-uniform electric field lines 304 terminate on the surrounding ground plane 302 and induce opposite polarization charges 303 thereon. An initially neutral matter or medium, such as the device of the previous invention, is shown amidst the non-uniform electric field lines. The neutral matter 305 includes a cavity 306 filled with a specific dielectric material 307. The non-uniform electric field lines induce polarization charges 309 and 310 in the dielectric material 307. The neutral matter 305 also contains protuberant antennas that form a pivot line 311 that is perpendicular to the plane containing FIGURE 3. The apo-electric dielectrophoretic-like force manifests itself as an easily detected torque motion of the antennas 308 about the pivot line 311 as the initially neutral matter or medium 305 moves (is rotated or is spinning) as the device samples the non-uniform electric field lines 304. The direction of the force and torque is exactly opposite in direction compared to a conventional para-electric case due to the presence of the pre-polarization P 312 for the apo-electric case. The protuberant antennas 308 generate torque to align themselves with the minimum spatial gradient of the electric field lines 304 as long as the apo-electric selective polarization filter of the current invention and the device containing it is still being rotated or spun or scanned to sample the electric field lines 304. Once rotation stops, the antennas generate torque to realign themselves with the maximum spatial gradient. The apo-electric case is therefore self-extinguishing and flip-flops from alignment to the minimum to alignment to the maximum spatial gradient. In FIGURES 4, 5 and 6, the poling step takes place by attaching one "hot" electrical lead (DC voltage = V) from the high voltage generating equipment to one of the metallic electrical leads of each of the three specific selective polarization filter designs and the second "cold or ground" leads (DC voltage = 0) of the high voltage equipment to the second metallic electrical lead to each of the three specific selective polarization filter designs.

It has been discovered that specific combinations of materials provide the desired effects of the selective polarization filter. FIGURE 4 illustrates the filter according to a first embodiment of the invention for non-electrically conducting materials. As shown in FIGURE 4, the filter 10 includes a replicate dielectric property matching material 12 encapsulated within a filter body 14 formed of a polymer such as polyurethane. A pair of parallel plates 16 disposed enclosing the replicate dielectric property matching material 12 are also encapsulated in the filter housing 14. The plates 16 are preferably formed of a different polymer such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). In this arrangement, the plates 16 are coupled with metal electrical leads 20 via isocyanate glue pods 18 or the like.

The replicate dielectric property matching material 12 is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the entity to be detected. That is, the replicate property matching material contains identical dielectric properties, time constants and related macroscopic friction coefficients to those of the entity material to be detected. Examples of suitable replicate dielectric property matching materials include nano-structured human keratin protein polymer for human detection, nano-structured animal keratin protein polymer for animal detection, specific plastic (mixture of polymers and additives) for plastic detection and the like.

With reference to FIGURE 5, in a second embodiment for electrically conducting replicate materials, the structure is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. The plates 16' in the filter 10', however, are formed of metal such as copper, brass, aluminum or steel. The metal plates 16' are connected to the electrical leads 20' via solder pods 18'.

Examples of suitable conducting replicate property matching materials include, for example, gold, silver, platinum, palladium and iron. In a third embodiment, referring to FIGURE 6, for non-electrically conducting replicate materials, the replicate dielectric property matching material itself is utilized as the filter housing. As shown in FIGURE 6, the filter 30 according to the third embodiment of the invention includes a filter housing 32 formed of the replicate dielectric property matching material and defining therein a cavity 34, Another dielectric material 36 such as air is disposed in the cavity 34. Exit ports 38 from the cavity 34 are formed in the filter housing 32 and are filled with a conducting material 40, preferably of metal, coupled with an external electronic circuit connector and grounding terminals (not shown).

The dielectrokinesis (phoresis) phenomena can be used with the current dielectric polarization matching filter disclosure of the invention in at least two methodologies to enable the detection and location of specific entities of interest. The first methodology utilizes the dielectrophoresis force directly. This is usually observed via a torque "action at a distance" motion acting around a well-defined pivot point and line. An example of this application is described in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 5,748,088, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The second methodology is where a dielectric replicate of the material of interest to be detected is provided with an external electric field and spatial gradients thereof by external static electrification. This allows a measurable electrical energy replenishment to occur when a second material, dielectrically matching the replicate reference material, comes within close proximity to the reference material and undergoes polarization by the external electric field provided by the static electrification.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A selective polarization matching filter comprising: a filter housing formed of a first material; a replicate property matching material disposed encapsulated within said filter housing, said replicate property matching material comprising chemically stabilized DNA of a predetermined target animate entity; and a pair of substantially parallel plates disposed encapsulated within said filter housing on opposite sides of said replicate property matching material, said plates being formed of a second material different from said first material.

2. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 1, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA comprises a large dipole pattern from asymmetric hydrogen bond dipoles weakly linking two oppositely-directed complementary DNA helixes.

3. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 2, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA is a nanometer size scale double-helix, geometrically-structured biological material with permanent pre-polarization.

4. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 3, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA is in an electret or ferroelectric state after having been subjected to pre-polarization.

5. A selective polarization matching filter comprising a composition of materials configured to generate an opposite polarization pattern based on a polarization pattern of a to- be-detected entity, wherein at least one material of the composition of materials is a replicate property matching material selected in accordance with dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected, the replicate property matching material comprising chemically stabilized DNA of the to-be-detected entity.

6. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 5, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA comprises a large dipole pattern from asymmetric hydrogen bond dipoles weakly linking two oppositely-directed complementary DNA helixes.

7. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 6, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA is a nanometer size scale double-helix, geometrically-structured biological material with permanent pre-polarization.

8. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 7, wherein the chemically stabilized DNA is in an electret or ferroelectric state after having been subjected to pre-polarization.

9. A method of manufacturing a selective polarization matching filter comprising assembling a composition of materials to generate an opposite polarization pattern based on a polarization pattern of a to-be-detected entity, the assembling step including encapsulating a replicate property matching material selected in accordance with dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected in a dielectric material, the replicate property matching material comprising chemically stabilized DNA of the to-be-detected entity.