A novel testbed structure for nanoshell based devices

The design and the fabrication of a novel testbed for nanoshell based devices is reported. We have identified six criteria for an ideal resistive nanodevice and show that our testbed satisfies most of these criteria. We describe how the unique design of the testbed minimizes most of the resilient problems in the current nanodevices, like non-uniformity, assembly, stray nanocomponents and cost. We have tested the testbed by using gold nanoshell coated silica spheres as the active device element. We discuss the nature and the implications of the contact resistance between a flat electrode and a spherical nanoshell. We suggest various applications of the testbed, from nanofuses to ultrafast oxide sensors and to bio-sensors. We describe methods and steps for miniaturization of the testbed.