Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2012

Publisher

American Institute of Physics

Source Publication

Applied Physics Letters

Source ISSN

0003-6951

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1063/1.4764562

Abstract

A sub-nanometer scale suspended gap (nanogap) defined by electric field-induced atomically sharp metallic tips is presented. A strong local electric field (>109 V=m) across micro/nanomachined tips facing each other causes the metal ion migration in the form of dendrite-like growth at the cathode. The nanogap is fully isolated from the substrate eliminating growth mechanisms that involve substrate interactions. The proposed mechanism of ion transportation is verified using real-time imaging of the metal ion transportation using an in situ biasing in transmission electron microscope (TEM). The configuration of the micro/nanomachined suspended tips allows nanostructure growth of a wide variety of materials including metals, metal-oxides, and polymers. VC 2012 American Institute of Physics.

Comments

Published version. Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 101 (2012): 183106. Permalink. © 2012 American Institute of Physics. Used with permission.

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