Electrical Measurement Methods for Nanotechnology - An Overview

Nanoscience and technology[1], with its wide and diverse applications, is driving the development of new materials and devices using carbon nanotubes[2], chemical molecules, quantum dots, and even polymers. Measuring the properties of these nanoscale components and materials is far from easy, as many of them have electrical properties such as low current, low resistance[3], high resistance, and low power.
 
This article will provide insights into the electrical measurement methods required for nanotechnology, with examples from carbon nanotube-based materials[4], electronic circuits, molecular electronics, and materials science. The article will explore various sources of measurement uncertainty that affect such sensitive measurements, and discuss available test equipment solutions.
 
Nanotechnology and science attract researchers from many disciplines, from electronics to chemistry to biology, and a wide range of potential applications and products are being developed that will have a significant impact on multiple industries. Whether it is sensors[5], drug delivery systems, stronger and lighter materials, faster and smaller electronic components, or more efficient energy systems, the innovative achievements of nanotechnology research will be.
 
In order to meet the challenges of nanoscience, researchers must perform a variety of measurements, including current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, resistance, resistivity and conductivity, transport, spectroscopy and energy measurements to reveal the intricate laws of matter at the nanoscale and to make reliable electronic devices based on nanomaterials. To achieve this goal, nanotechnology researchers need to have sensitive electrical measurement tools and understand the principles of electrical measurement.