title: Precise control of the size and noise of solid-state nanopores using high electric fields.
abstract: We present a methodology for preparing silicon nitride nanopores that provides in situ control of size with sub-nanometer precision while simultaneously reducing electrical noise by up to three orders of magnitude through the cyclic application of high electric fields in an aqueous environment. Over 90% of nanopores treated with this technique display desirable noise characteristics and readily exhibit translocation of double-stranded DNA molecules. Furthermore, previously used nanopores with degraded electrical properties can be rejuvenated and used for further single-molecule experiments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beamish
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tabard-Cossa
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Godin