Transport properties and non-volatile memory application of self assembled nanoparticle array by microtubules

A method of self-assembly of gold nanoparticles with the diameter of around 1nm is developed by the use of bio species (microtubule) and transport properties of nanoparticle arrays are investigated. Via self-assembly, the attachment sites of gold nanoparticles to the microtubule can be controlled. The density of the gold nanoparticles in our experiments achieved is on the order of 10$^{9 }$cm$^{-2 }$and can be extended to as high as 10$^{13}$ cm$^{-2}$. A transport bi-stability is observed in a sandwich structure of Au/ MT + gold nanoparticle array / P$^{+}$ Si substrate. On the basis of detailed analysis of the temperature and electrical field dependences, a band model incorporating electron-tunneling is suggested to explain the observed bi-stability and other transport characteristics. The retention time is also measured to be larger than 10$^{5}$s. The operation and endurance of this memory device are confirmed. With its simple structure and the compatible fabrication process with conventional MOS, this MT/Au nanoparticle array holds a great potential for memory applications.