Formation of single-electron-transistors using self-assembly of nanoparticle chains

We present a single-step template-free self-assembly method for constructing 1D-chains and 1D-networks of Au-nanoparticles. The chains are formed by simply increasing the ion concentration of nanoparticle solution so that the attractive van der waals force prevails over the repulsive Coulomb interaction. A combination of this method and the previously developed charge trapping technique allows us to place the 1D-chains/networks at designed locations. Further, the nanoparticle structures are stable enough to withstand the subsequent e-beam lithographic processes for formation of nanoparticle-based electronics such as a single electron transistor. Prominent Coulomb oscillation was observed at temperatures as high as 120 K.