Polymer-Protected Nanogap Device for Molecular Sensing in Aqueous Environment

Abstract

The main focus of the thesis is the development and study of techniques to fabricate nanogap devices that are protected by a polymer layer only leaving an opening at the vicinity of the nanogaps. The polymer-protected nanogap devices are aimed at sensing applications in an aqueous environment. The nanogap is fabricated by thermally assisted electromigration to simultaneously form self-aligned hole and nanogap structures in a bowtie electrode. The device is able to significantly reduce the ionic current through electrolytes of high salt concentrations. DNA detection by oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticle assembly and in situ conductance measurement in buffer solution are demonstrated.