Abstract
Recently, nanometer–scale electronic devices have been widely investigated. One of the most promising fields, molecular electronics using single DNA nanowires are very attractive. DNA is expected to realize nanometer scale electronics circuits as nanowires and templates for deposition of functional materials. Therefore, arrangement and processing techniques of the DNA wires on substrates are very important. However, as for the cutting process using AFM scratching, it is difficult to cut the DNA wire without dragging due to its viscoelasticity.
Here we propose a novel AFM cutting technique of DNA wires without dragging. Stretched DNA templates are deteriorated by irradiation of ultraviolet rays before cutting process. The UV irradiated DNA are easily cut by AFM scratching. This technique is useful for controllable modification of DNA templates.
