Systems and methods for making and using nanoelectrodes

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.

主权项

1. A system for manipulating a polarizable object using dielectrophoresis, comprising:
a first elongated cylindrically shaped nanoelectrode comprising at least one nanotube electrically coupled with a first time-varying voltage source; and a second elongated nanoelectrode electrically coupled with ground, wherein the first voltage source and ground are configured to generate a time-varying electric field between the two nanoelectrodes, and wherein the nanoelectrodes are positioned to allow the dielectrophoretic manipulation of a polarizable object within the electric field.