Fabrication of nanoscale gaps using a combination of self-assembled molecular and electron beam lithographic techniques

We have developed and tested a new method of fabricating nanogaps using a combination of self-assembled molecular and electron beam lithographic techniques. The method enables us to control the gap size with an accuracy of approximately 2 nm and designate the positions where the nanogaps should be formed with high-resolution patterning by using electron beam lithography. We have demonstrated the utility of the fabricated nanogaps by measuring a single electron tunneling phenomenon through dodecanethiol-coated Au nanoparticles placed in the fabricated nanogap.