ELECTROMECHANICAL NANOTUBE TUNNELING DEVICE COMPRISING SOURCE, DRAIN AND GATE

Patent, 2011

The present invention relates to a nanotube device (100) comprising a nanotube with a longitudinal and a lateral extension, a structure for supporting at least a first part of the nanotube, and first means for exerting a force upon the nanotube in a first direction defined by its lateral extension. At least a second part of the nanotube protrudes beyond the support of said structure, so that when said force exceeds a certain level, the second part of the nanotube will flex in the direction of its lateral extension, and thereby close a first electrical circuit. Suitably, the first means for exerting said force upon the nanotube is an electrical means, the force being created by applying a voltage to the means. The device allows for quantum mechanics tunnel effects, both at a source and at a drain electrode.