Interconnection of specific nano-objects by electron beam lithography - A controllable method

We report a widely applicable and highly controlled approach, based on electron beam lithography (EBL), to interconnect single nano-objects, previously immobilized onto solid surfaces, and to investigate the transport properties at the level of single nanostructures. In particular, a three-step EBL-procedure was used for this purpose by patterning two planar contacts on the sides of an individual nano-object. To demonstrate this approach, we use two different kinds of active elements: a semiconductor nanocrystal (tetrapod) and a thin triangular gold nanoprism (NT).