QuBIC: Novel DNA Nanostructures for Targeted Molecular Scale to Micron Scale Interconnects

这个项目的主要目的是开发制造技术，弥合两个尺寸尺度之间的差距：(i)微米尺度，传统的光刻方法提供有效的自上而下的物体构造；（ii）分子尺度，可行的自下而上的物体组装技术开始出现。解决的关键问题是分子尺度结构如何选择性地与微米尺度结构连接和连接，从而使分子尺度结构具有功能。弥合这一差距对于推进分子电子学进入实际应用和继续微电子学的小型化趋势尤为重要。该项目通过使用新型DNA纳米结构来解决尺度差距的挑战，该结构具有介于两者之间的尺度，并且可以选择性地与其中任何一种组装。这些结构提供了独特的机会：(i)它们通过DNA退火提供选择性附着，（ii）它们具有长度尺度和灵活性，允许附着在微米级结构上，（iii）它们可以被金属化以提供导电互连，（iv）它们可能用于定向其他纳米结构，如碳纳米管。主要的研究步骤包括：(1)开发多样化的DNA纳米结构家族；(2)进一步表征现有DNA纳米结构；(3)进一步开发这些DNA纳米结构的金属化技术；(4)与各种材料的连接实验。该项目通过为几个教育层次的理科生提供培训机会，影响重要的教育目标。资金包括来自SEED项目的一名高中生，以及一名研究生和博士后研究员的一半薪水。对研究生和本科生的培训有助于培养对纳米技术、DNA工程以及对电子和计算机科学的持续发展至关重要的相关领域有浓厚兴趣的未来科学家。

EIA-0218376Thomas LaBeanDuke UniversityNovel DNA Nanostructures for Targeted Molecular Scale too Micron ScaleThe main thrust of this project is to develop fabrication techniques which bridge the gap between two size scales: (i) the micron scale, where conventional lithographic methods provide efficient top-down object construction, and (ii) the molecular scale, where viable bottom-up techniques for object assembly are beginning to emerge. The key problem addressed is how molecular scale structures can be selectively attached and interconnected with micron scale structures such that the molecular scale structures are functional. Bridging this gap is particularly important for advancing molecular-electronics into practical applications and for continuing the miniaturization trend of micro-electronics. This project approaches the scale gap challenge by the use of novel DNA nanostructures that have a scale between the two and can be made to selectively assemble with either. These structures present unique opportunities: (i) they provide for selective attachments via DNA annealing, (ii) they have length scales and flexibility permitting attachment to micron scale structures (iii) they can be metallized to provide conductive interconnects, (iv) potentially they can be used to orient other nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes. The major research steps to be taken include: (1) development of a diverse family of DNA nanostructures, (2) further characterization of existing DNA nanostructures, (3) further development of metallization techniques for these DNA nanostructures, (4) attachment experiments to various materials. The project impacts important educational objectives by providing training opportunities for science students at several educational levels. Funds are included for a high school student from the SEED project for under-represented minority students, as well as for a graduate student and half the salary of a post-doctoral fellow. Training of students at graduate and undergraduate levels is helping to create future scientists with strong interests in nanotechnology, DNA engineering, and related fields critical to continued growth in electronics and computer sciences.