Molecular tweezers with optical fiber function

We have been developing the molecular tweezers that can retrieve a minute amount of molecules from solution such as DNA. Since the retrieved molecules form a bridge between two tips of tweezers, we can examine their electrical characteristics in atmospheric condition. The bridge also serves as a scaffold for nano particles. Figure 1 shows an example of a retrieved DNA wire modified by palladium nano particles of 3nm in diameter. We have found that the palladium particles enhance the electrical conductivity showing 74Ωcm in resistivity. In addition to electromechanical properties, we are interested in optical characterization of retrieved materials by molecular tweezers. To introduce probing light to tweezers' tips, we propose new molecular tweezers integrated with optical waveguides.