Single Atom Graphene Nanogap

About

Chemists at Leiden University have developed a method yielding a device separating two single carbon atoms from two individual conducting graphene layers. The invention enables the fabrication of a graphene nanogap using a simple methodology. It has been impossible till now to fabricate a graphene nanogap. The next stage of improvement includes (i) to define the (bio)chemical sensitivity of the device, (ii) chemical edge passivation and determination of the utility of the device as a spectroscope for graphene (and other 2D crystal edge characterization), (iii) to attempt the translocation and detection of individual (bio)(macro)molecules, and (iv) to design the micro/nanofluidic platform (for ‘controllably’ delivery of a single biomolecule to the point contact; for sequencing or characterization of molecules). Key Benefits Single atomic contact Basal plane protected (no need for extra sandwich insulating layers and hence no parasitic tunneling signal) No need for electron microscopy or lithographic equipment Mechanically robust, scalable formation Applications New tunneling spectroscopes to characterise atomic contacts between two carbon atoms   Study nanoconfined media such as gas, liquids, solid   Detection of molecules in motion   Sequencing molecules   Characterization of polymers Study electrical transport through single (organic, bio-organic) molecules Development Stage 3D Proof of concept (prototype) Fabrication process of the gap is validated