Single Atom Graphene Nanogap

Technology Overview

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).

Details and State of Development:

- 3D Proof of concept (prototype)
- Fabrication process of the gap is validated

Application

1. New tunneling spectroscopes to characterise atomic contacts between two carbon atoms
2. Study nanoconfined media such as gas, liquids, solid
3. Detection of molecules in motion
4. Sequencing molecules
5. Characterization of polymers
6. Study electrical transport through single (organic, bio-organic) molecules

Keywords: biomolecule detection, sequencing, spectroscopy