Device for detecting variations in properties of bonds in single molecules, e.g. determining the redox potential of biomolecules, has nanoelectrodes with gap between and nano gaps between these through which electrons can tunnel

摘要

Device for detecting variations in properties of bonds in single molecules, e.g. determining the redox potential of biomolecules, comprising nanoelectrodes with gap between and nano gaps between these through which electrons can tunnel, is new. Device for detecting variations in the properties of bonds in single molecules comprises two nanoelectrodes (1) with a gap (2) between them which allows electrons to flow through. These are mounted on an electrically insulating base (3) and are fitted with a cover plate (4). The nanoelectrodes have a length in the upper nanometer or micrometer range and a thickness in the nanometer range. 4 - 5 nm nano gaps (13) are left between the ends (11) of the electrodes and the main gap (2). Measuring electrodes (5) connected to a measuring module (6) are attached to the opposite ends (12) of the nanoelectrodes. The main gap has a surface of less than 0.1 mu m2. The cover plate is 4 - 100 nm thick and there is an electro-capacitive cover-free zone (41) over the main and nano gaps, formed by a dielectric boundary (42) with specific bonding positions (43), so that, as a result of electro-capacitive coupling, single electrons can tunnel through the nano gaps.