Abstract

DNA origami templates have been studied due the versatility of shapes that can be designed and their compatibility with various materials. This has potential for future electronic applications. This work presents studies performed on the electrical properties of DNA origami templated gold nanowires. Using a DNA origami tile, gold nanowires are site specifically attached in a “C” shape, and with the use of electron beam induced deposition of metal, electrically characterized. These wires are electrically conductive with resistivities as low as 4.24 x 10-5 Ω-m. During moderate temperature processing nanowires formed on DNA origami templates are shown to be affected by the high surface mobility of metal atoms. Annealing studies of DNA origami gold nanowires are conducted, evaluating the effects of atom surface mobility at various temperatures. It is shown that the nanowires separate into individual islands at temperatures as low as 180° C. This work shows that with the use of a polymer template the temperature at which island formation occurs can be raised to 210° C. This could allow for post processing techniques that would otherwise not be possible.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

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