Precisely Controllable Generation and Characterization of Graphene Nanogaps.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42117482.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6c01084.
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Abstract
Electrode pairs with sub-3 nm nanogaps are essential for single-molecule devices. However, previously reported nanogap fabrication techniques are stochastically driven and often lead to nanogaps with broad resistance distributions. Here, we present a deterministic method for the precise generation of single-layer graphene nanogaps by controlling the electric breakdown process. Using autoranging source-measure hardware and adopting different control logics before and after breakdown, the gap generation process could be well-controlled. About 80% of devices fall within the same order of magnitude in nanogap resistance, which can be tuned by the termination parameter. Moreover, the SLG nanogaps are directly visualized on Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> membrane windows by using transmission electron microscopy. This work establishes a robust approach for controlled SLG nanogap fabrication with sub-3 nm separations, paving the way toward the high yield of single-molecule junctions and related solid-state devices.