US Patent 7468271 Molecular characterization with carbon nanotube control

There is provided a first reservoir containing a liquid solution including a molecule to be characterized and a second reservoir for containing a liquid solution including a molecule that has been characterized. A solid state support structure is provided including an aperture having a molecular entrance providing a fluidic connection to the first reservoir and a molecular exit providing a fluidic connection to the second reservoir. First and second electron transport probes are each disposed on the support structure with a surface abutting a perimeter of the aperture. At least one of the probes comprises a fullerene structure, e.g., a carbon nanotube. A voltage source is connected between the probes to apply a voltage bias across the aperture. An electrical current monitor is connected between the probes for monitoring changes in electron transport between the probes corresponding to translocation of a molecule through the aperture.