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-电性能相关性，用于开发纳米电子元件，如逆变器，逻辑门和频率混频器。该方法是连续的：(1)通过化学气相沉积工艺合成y结形态，(2)通过聚焦离子束铣削和原位金属蒸发制造纳米触点将结组装成电路，(3)纳米级传输特性的电学表征，(4)通过透射电子显微镜进行结构分析，以及(5)确定新型纳米电子器件的理想器件特性。载流子的离域和在生长过程中引入的催化剂颗粒在结区产生散射中心，可用于基于y结的电子器件。在初步的电气测量中，在三端y型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，具有低功耗、辐射硬度和减少散热等优点的新型经济设备的制造，与民用和军事应用相关；(b)通过开发新课程、新生研讨会和推广活动，将纳米科学和技术的兴奋传递给更广泛的社区。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项目。参与该项目的研究生和本科生将接触到最前沿的纳米技术研究，为他们在学术界和工业界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.