Device for the analysis of nucleic acid molecules

Device for analyzing nucleic acid molecules, comprising:

• a well, comprising:
• (i) a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface,
• (ii) an axis extending between the bottom surface and the top surface,
• (iii) a nucleic acid molecule anchored at a first end to the bottom surface;
• (iv) an electrically conductive solution, filling at least part of the well;
• wherein a cross-sectional area of the well perpendicular to the axis increases from the bottom surface to the top surface of the well;
• and
• a bead disposed within the well, the bead anchored at a second end of the nucleic acid molecule, the second end opposite the first end;
• an actuator configured to cause the bead to move relative to the bottom surface along the axis of the well;
• and
• a sensor configured to measure an impedance of the well, the impedance depending on a distance between the bead and the surface, such that, from the measured impedance, the distance between the bead and the surface is determined.