Dielectrophoretic manipulation and electrical characterization of gold nanowires

Gold nanowires have been synthesized by template electrodeposition with an alternating field in porous aluminium oxide membranes. The use of dielectrophoresis to manipulate nanowires between electrodes has been investigated. Assembly was optimized by modelling the dielectrophoretic force, on the basis of the interaction between an alternating applied field and the induced dipole moment of gold nanowires. Results confirm the expected assembly characteristics, but also demonstrate how an understanding of the assembly process, and electrical behaviour of the, electrode, is necessary for successfully assembling nanowires bridging the electrode gap. Electrical characterization of nanowires assembled between electrodes has been conducted to determine the transport properties of these systems. Single nanowires displayed an Ohmic response with 35 Omega resistance values predominantly due to contact resistance between the electrode and nanowire. By optimizing the assembly and cleaning procedures the contribution of the contact resistance to the measured resistance has been reduced below those reported in the literature.