Functional single-molecule devices based on SWNTs as point contacts

We present a universal lithographic methodology for creating single molecule devices based on single-walled carbon nanotubes as point contacts. These contacts are formed by electron beam lithography and precise oxygen plasma etching. Through robust amide linkages, functional molecular bridges with diamines are covalently wired into carboxylic acid-functionalized nanogaps to afford single molecule devices with desired functionalities.