Keywords

Set, single electron transistors, smm, single molecule magnets

Abstract

In this thesis I present a complete and detailed guide for the development process and fabrication of efficient single-electron transistors (SETs) and a better single-molecule magnets (SMMs) deposition yield. Starting from a commercial Si/SiO2 wafer I show the steps for the deposition of different layers to fabricate a SET as well as the improvements achieved in those for a completely functional SET device. The development process is based on a combination of optical lithography and e-beam lithography with metal deposition in ultra-high vacuum. The improvements involve a better conductance in the Al gate component, with a controlled formation of the superficial oxide layer and a faster feedback electromigration-induced breaking of Au nanowires for the creation of nanogaps at room temperature. The gate component is improved by increasing its thickness and exposing it to plasma oxidation for the complete oxidation of its surface. The nanowire breaking is realized at room temperature to make use of the surface tension of Au, which, after a previous feedback procedure, eventually opens the final gap in the nanowire. Finally, I demonstrate a new technique that allows increasing the yield of having a SMM connected in the nanowire gap. This new technique is based on monitoring the resistance of the broken nanowires during the SMM deposition from a controlled liquid solution at room temperature. When the resistance ( > GΩ for open gaps) drops to values below Mega-ohms (characteristic resistance of a molecule bridging the gap) for a number of nanowires in the chip, the device is then ready for low temperature measurements.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2013

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Gonzalez Garcia, Enrique

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Degree Program

Physics

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004742

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004742

Language

English

Release Date

May 2013

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences, Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

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Physics Commons

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