The invention relates to an apparatus (100) and a method for the processing of single molecules, particularly for the sensing or sequencing of single-stranded DNA. A bottom layer (110) and an electrically conductive top layer (120) with a first and a second slit (111,121), respectively, are disposed on top of each other such that an aperture (A) is formed by the slits. The slits (111,121) are preferably perpendicular to each other. An electrical circuit (140) may be connected to the top layer (120), allowing to sense single molecules that pass through the aperture (A).