NER: Nano-Electronic Components Based on Carbon Nanotube Y-Junctions

本研究的目的是研究基于多壁碳纳米管的Y型结的结构-电学性质相关性，以开发纳米电子元件，如逆变器，逻辑门和混频器。该方法是顺序的：（1）通过化学气相沉积工艺合成Y结形态，（2）通过聚焦离子束研磨和原位金属蒸发制造的纳米接触将结组装成电路，（3）纳米级传输特性的电表征，（4）通过透射电子显微镜进行结构分析，以及（5）识别新型纳米电子器件的期望器件特性。载流子离域和在生长期间引入的催化剂颗粒在结区处诱导散射中心，这可以在基于Y结的电子器件中利用。在初步的电气测量中，在三端Y结中观察到二极管样和反相/开关行为，高达50 kHz，这将被研究。 更广泛的影响将是：（a）与传统的硅基技术相比，制造具有低功耗、抗辐射和减少散热等优点的新型和经济的器件，这些器件与民用和军用应用有关，（B）通过开发新课程、新生研讨会和外展活动，向更广泛的社区传达纳米科学和技术的兴奋。通过与加州大学圣地亚哥分校的普鲁斯高中合作，将开发一个学生和教师交流计划。从事该项目的研究生和本科生将接触到尖端的纳米技术研究，为他们在工业和工业中的职业生涯做好准备。

The objective of this research is the study of the structure-electrical property correlations in multi-walled carbon nanotube based Y-junctions, for the development of nanoelectronic components such as inverters, logic gates, and frequency mixers. The approach is the sequential: (1) synthesis of Y-junction morphologies through chemical vapor deposition processes, (2) assembly of the junctions into electrical circuits through nano-contacts fabricated by focused ion beam milling and in situ metal evaporation, (3) electrical characterization of nanoscale transport characteristics, (4) structural analysis by transmission electron microscopy, and (5) identification of desirable device characteristics for novel nanoelectronic devices. The carrier delocalization, and the catalyst particles introduced during growth, induces scattering centers at the junction region which can be exploited in Y-junction based electronic devices. In preliminary electrical measurements, both diode like and inverting/switching behavior was observed in three-terminal Y-junctions, up to 50 kHz, which will be investigated. The broader impact would be: (a) the fabrication of novel and economical devices with advantages of low power consumption, radiation hardness, and reduced heat dissipation over conventional silicon based technologies, relevant to both civilian and military applications, (b) to convey the excitement of nano-science and technology to the wider community through developing new courses, freshman seminars, and outreach activities. By working with Preuss High School on the UCSD campus, a student and teacher exchange program will be developed. The graduate and undergraduate students working on this project will be exposed to cutting edge nanotechnology research, preparing them for careers in academe and industry.