DC Characterisation of C60 Whiskers using Deposited and Contacting Electrodes

C60 whiskers are needle-like fullerene structures, formed through polymerisation of individual C60 molecules. A lowcost, room temperature technique for their growth has recently been demonstrated and subsequent electrical characterisation have revealed promising results. Despite the potential for improved electron transport at smaller diameters, data on electrical resistivity have so far been limited to C60 whiskers with diameters of several microns. Here, results of two-terminal measurements on a sub-micron diameter C60 ‘nano’whisker are reported for the first time. Electrical contact is established through FIB-deposited Pt electrodes, and a low resistivity of 17 cm is measured. In parallel, work has begun on the use of a micromachined probe to establish non-invasive contacts with the sample. Results of early trials on a larger diameter C60 whisker are presented, demonstrating the feasibility of the technique.