Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of nano to atomic scale devices, that is electronic devices fabricated down to atomic accuracy. The fabrication process uses either an SEM or a STM tip to pattern regions on a semiconductor substrate. Then, forming electrically active parts of the device at those regions. Encapsulating the formed device. Using a SEM or optical microscope to align locations for electrically conducting elements on the surface of the encapsulating semiconductor with respective active parts of the device encapsulated below the surface. Forming electrically conducting elements on the surface at the aligned locations. And, electrically connecting electrically conducting elements on the surface with aligned parts of the device encapsulated below the surface to allow electrical connectivity and tunability of the device. In further aspects the invention concerns the devices themselves.

Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of nano to atomic scale devices, that is electronic devices fabricated down to atomic accuracy. The fabrication process uses either an SEM or a STM tip to pattern regions on a semiconductor substrate. Then, forming electrically active parts of the device at those regions. Encapsulating the formed device. Using a SEM or optical microscope to align locations for electrically conducting elements on the surface of the encapsulating semiconductor with respective active parts of the device encapsulated below the surface. Forming electrically conducting elements on the surface at the aligned locations. And, electrically connecting electrically conducting elements on the surface with aligned parts of the device encapsulated below the surface to allow electrical connectivity and tunability of the device. In further aspects the invention concerns the devices themselves.

Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of nanoscale and atomic scale devices. The method involves creating one or more registration markers. Using a SEM or optical microscope to form an image of the registration markers and the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). Using the image to position and reposition the STM tip to pattern the device structure. Forming the active region of the device and then encapsulating it such that one or more of the registration markers are still visible to allow correct positioning of surface electrodes. The method can be used to form any number of device structures including quantum wires, single electron transistors, arrays or gate regions. The method can also be used to produce 3D devices by patterning subsequent layers with the STM and encapsulating in between.