Sensor platform using a non-horizontally oriented nanotube element

A method of making a capacitive structure, comprising

• providing a support structure comprising a substrate;
• providing a collection of at least one nanotube in contact with the support structure, and oriented substantially non-parallel to a major surface of the substrate;
• providing a conductive element located apart from the collection so that the conductive element and the collection are in a capacitive relationship;
• providing control circuitry to electrically sense an electrical value reflecting a capacitance associated with the collection and the conductive element.

A method of making a resistive structure, comprising

• providing a support structure comprising a substrate;
• providing a collection of at least one nanotube in contact with the support structure, and oriented substantially non-parallel to a major surface of the substrate;
• providing first and second conductive elements that contact the collection at separate locations;
• providing control circuitry to electrically sense an electrical value reflecting the resistance associated with the passage of current between the first and second conductive elements through at least a portion of the collection.

A method of making a capacitive structure, comprising:

• providing a support structure comprising a substrate;
• providing a collection of at least one nanotube in contact with the support structure so that a major surface of the substrate is at least partially non-parallel to the collection;
• providing a conductive element located apart from the collection so that the conductive element and the collection are in a capacitive relationship;
• providing control circuitry to electrically sense an electrical value reflecting a capacitance associated with the collection and the conductive element.

A method of making a resistive structure, comprising:

• providing a support structure comprising a substrate;
• providing a collection of at least one nanotube in contact with the support structure so that a major surface of the substrate is at least partially non-parallel to the collection;
• providing first and second conductive elements that contact the collection at separate locations;
• providing control circuitry to electrically sense an electrical value reflecting the resistance associated with the passage of current between the first and second conductive elements through at least a portion of the collection.