Modification of silicon based nanowires by selective self-limiting surface reactions
Final Report Abstract
Within the projects done at Harvard University silicon nanowires and nanotubes were modified and imbedded in sensor architecture suitable for life-science applications. In the first part of the project a sensor for dopamine detection was studied using a p-Si/TiO 2 core/shell structure (approx. 30 nm in diameter) in a planar field effect transistor configuration. Dopamine could be sensed although the sensing limit was still too high and a selectivity against ascorbic acid could not be achieved. Within the second part of the project, p-type silicon nanotubes were studied as active sensor elements. For the first time a vertical integration of active nanotubes was tried. However, within the project time the issue of vertical contact definition couldn't be solved sufficiently in order to get fully operating FETs suitable for sensor applications. The integration of nanotubes into bend-up structures was indeed successful. First experiments showed that nanotubes can act as active sensor elements and the electrical recording of spontaneously beating cells could be demonstrated (in collaboration with R. Gao). The range of possibilities of using nanotubes as active elements for nanofluidic sensors can be exploited to a greater extent. This is an aim of my current work at Ulm University.
Publications
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Detection of neurotransmitters with titanium-oxide modified silicon nanowire sensors, MRS Fall Meeting 2010, Boston, USA
S. Strehle & C.M. Lieber
