Mechanical systems at the nanoscale

This thesis describes experiments that were done with a wide range of nano(electro)mechanical systems (NEMS). These devices are promising candidates to study mechanics in the quantum regime. The experiments range from AFM measurements on few-layer graphene nanodrums, electrical detection of flexural modes of suspended carbon nanotubes both at...

Electrostatic sensing and electrochemistry with single carbon nanotubes

This thesis describes the experimental study of devices based on single carbon nanotubes in the context of (bio)sensing in aqueous solutions. Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules of sp2- carbon, about one nanometer in diameter and typically several micrometers long, which have semiconducting or metallic electronic properties. Nanotube...

Quantum transport in molecular devices and graphene

As a result of progress in nanotechnology, smaller and smaller electronic circuits can be made. The stage of electrically contacting even a single molecule has now been reached. This stimulates both fundamental and applied research alike. Molecular electronics is hence a booming new field that draws a lot of attention. In this research project...