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TitleA nanochannel with an embedded transverse graphene tunneling electrode for molecular probing and as a future tool for DNA sequencing
NameSchottdorf, Manuel (author), Andrei, Eva Y. (chair), Williams, Theodore B. (internal member), Wu, Weida (internal member), Bartynski, Robert A. (internal member), Rutgers University, Graduate School - New Brunswick,
Degree Date2011-10
Date Created2011
SubjectPhysics and Astronomy,
Graphene,
Nucleotide sequence
DescriptionSingle layer graphene, as a one-atom-thick highly conductive layer, is an exciting candidate for highly localized tunneling measurements because it is sufficiently thin to resolve a single molecule. We have fabricated graphene tunneling junctions confined within a nanochannel to explore the feasibility of developing a single-molecule sequencing tool for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The unprecedented thinness of graphene electrodes allows to overcome the problems encountered using metallic electrodes, which are too bulky for single-molecule resolution. By confining of the molecule in a nanochannel, a long and narrow structure through which it can be dragged electrophoretically, it is possible to slow down the DNA sufficiently to achieve single base translocation. We show an experimental realization of the first steps towards a new graphene sequencing device. First, we present a new experimental technique for the production of nanogaps in a sheet of graphene. Applying a high current density in a graphene strip removes material from the strip resulting in the formation of nanogaps and tips. Starting from graphene grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), we fabricate those structures. We show transport measurements of graphene devices in helium, air and vacuum demonstrating the realization of tunneling gaps. Second, we embed graphene tunneling junctions in a nanochannel and measure tunneling currents through various liquids. Using Simmons' model we calculate the work function between graphene and those liquids. Third we present evidence for inelastic tunneling through different molecules especially Rhodamine B and Adenosine monophosphate. We compare the results with data from optical spectroscopy.
NoteM.S.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
NoteIncludes vita
Noteby Manuel Schottdorf
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttp://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.1/rucore10001600001.ETD.000063647
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.