A method of making a carbon nanotube structure includes depositing a first oxide layer on a substrate and a second oxide layer on the first oxide layer; etching a trench through the second oxide layer; removing end portions of the first oxide layer and portions of the substrate beneath the end portions to form cavities in the substrate; depositing a metal in the cavities to form first body metal pads; disposing a carbon nanotube on the first body metal pads and the first oxide layer such that ends of the carbon nanotube contact each of the first body metal layers; depositing a metal to form second body metal pads on the first body metal pads at the ends of the carbon nanotube; and etching to release the carbon nanotube, first body metal pads, and second body metal pads from the substrate, first oxide layer, and second oxide layer.