Technology
The world’s first commercial quantum sequencing systems
Our sensor: a breakthrough in molecular sensing
We have demonstrated the direct electrical detection and sequencing of DNA and RNA for the first time. Our proprietary fabrication process creates nanoscale gaps between sensing electrodes through which strands of DNA and RNA translocate. A bias voltage applied across the gap slows the motion of the molecule and is used to measure its conductance.
The result is a clear trace, showing the translocation of single molecules, where each base produces a clear and district contribution to the signal and is easily processed into base calls.
The result is a clear trace, showing the translocation of single molecules, where each base produces a clear and district contribution to the signal and is easily processed into base calls.
On-chip sample prep
In order to provide a complete sequencing system on a chip, our devices incorporate on-chip sample preparation to denature and linearize the DNA. The molecule is first denatured by microheaters and then driven through an array of nanopillars to ensure linearization before it reaches the sensor.
Motion control
While existing sequencers work on large collections of molecules, our devices measure single molecules. This means we have to precisely control the motion of each molecule as it translocates the gap. We make use of electrophoretic flow to enable control over the motion of a single molecule.
Amplification and signal processing
Our low noise current amplification and signal processing platform amplifies the signal and processes it into base calls in real time. The digital processing core of our instruments is the open hardware Novena platform.
Quantum Sequencers
QS1M
Our first generation instruments are built around an MCBJ (Mechanically Controllable Break Junction). This allows us to fabricate sub-nanometer gaps in situ. An electrophoretic flow controls the motion of the DNA as it translocates the gap. While this platform is still in development, you can find some early data releases here.
Note that multiple junctions can be integrated on a single device, scaling the technology to create a high-throughput sequencing instrument.
Multiple junctions
System setup
QS2G
Our second generation devices are based on prefabricated gaps and apertures, making each instrument even cheaper and smaller. The aperture confines the motion of the DNA as it translocates through the sensing electrodes propelled by electrophoretic flow.
Prefabricated gaps