A. A. Kane, et al., Nano Lett. 9 , 3586 (2009).

1. Electronic Fluctuation and Localization at DefectsPhilip G. Collins, University of California-Irvine, DMR 0801271 Nanoscale wiring promises revolutionary circuits for digital logic, high frequency electronics, and biochemical sensing. Successful commercialization is limited, though, by gaps in our understanding of how to control nanoscale properties. Carbon nanotubes, for example, are outstanding electrical conductors that are nevertheless degraded by extrinsic resistive effects. This project focuses on the causes of resistance in nanocircuits, and how to minimize them. For example, minimum contact resistance has been achieved using a hybrid, nanotube-graphene interface. Separately, a new technique has been developed to probe the resistance caused by defects. Both results clarify the physics of these devices and help clear the way for their use in applications. Carbon nanotube circuits no longer suffer from high contact resistance, with the aid of graphene overlayers A. A. Kane, et al., Nano Lett.9, 3586 (2009).

2. Electronic Fluctuation and Localization at DefectsPhilip G. Collins, University of California-Irvine, DMR 0801271 Our research activities include the participation of undergraduates and local high school students, providing them with hands-on training in research techniques and exposure to potential career paths in science. This year, twenty high school students rotated through a series of nanoscience experiments, as part of our COSMOS summer program. Two additional high school students took on year-long projects. Both are now headed to UCLA to begin college degrees in science. High school students prepare samples and use sophisticated equipment during our COSMOS program.