Elektronik för smart hälsa
- Diarienummer
- ICA12-0047
- Start- och slutdatum
- 130901-170831
- Beviljat belopp
- 3 000 000 kr
- Förvaltande organisation
- Uppsala University
- Forskningsområde
- Informations-, kommunikations- och systemteknik
Summary
This research aims at exploring an entirely new electronic device Fin-IGBA for detection of ions or charged molecules with ultimate sensitivity at the single-charge level. It is expected to generate new knowledge in electronic sensing and to impact areas of Life Sciences and Life Science Technologies. It is of specific importance in application areas such as early detection of diseases, environmental and bioprocess analysis, food quality and security monitoring. Technologically, a Fin-IGBA integrates nanowire-based sensing channels with an internal bipolar signal amplifier. It will result in a compact, highly sensitive biochip system with fast response and excellent noise immunity. In detail, we will establish a stable baseline for production of nanowires and nanowire arrays with desired dimensions and of spectacular surfaces; establish and incorporate a physics-based device model for Fin-IGBA to serve the purpose of guiding our device design; develop process modules for the Fin-IGBA device integration; fabricate and characterize Fin-IGBA of an optimized layout geometry of the FET for high charge sensitivity, an optimum internal current amplification of the BJT and an effective suppression of the latch-up risk; make proof-of-concept demonstration of the proposed idea by detecting ions with an instantaneous response. Through this research, we aim at establishing world-leading competence in exploitation of standard Si technology for health applications at Uppsala University.
Populärvetenskaplig beskrivning
Biochip systems can assist us in overall health control leading to the ultimate goal of “Smart Health”. Well-known examples include biochips for DNA/protein sensing targeting early detection of cancer and other serious diseases, “electronic tasting” with artificial tongues and noses for food safety and quality. An ideal biochip system should be highly specific, rapid and accurate as well as reliable, low-cost and easy-to-use. Most of the commercially available bio-sensors are currently based on optical detection techniques. Those detection techniques are usually expensive and require highly specialized laboratories. A compact, low cost, highly sensitive biochip system with fast response and excellent noise immunity will be of significant interest to the society and have large market opportunities. The proposed Fin-IGBA sensor device is an entirely new electronic device for detection of ions or charged molecules with ultimate sensitivity at the single-charge level. It integrates nanowire-Fin array as the most sensitive channels in a field-effect-transistor (FET) with a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) for internal signal amplification. It will result in a compact, highly sensitive biochip system with fast response and excellent noise immunity. The device is entirely silicon-based on the foundation of the already well-known microelectronics. It allows us to take full advantage of the already developed and commercially available fabrication processes and methodologies used for integrated circuits. It also enables on-chip integration of circuitry that handles the signal processing and data analysis. A high volume manufacturing at low cost can therefore be located at existing semiconductor factories or foundries. To achieve this device, we will establish a stable baseline for production of nanowires and nanowire arrays with desired dimensions and smooth surfaces; establish a physics-based device model for Fin-IGBA to serve the purpose of guiding our device design; develop process modules for the Fin-IGBA device integration; fabricate and characterize Fin-IGBA of an optimized layout geometry of the FET for high charge sensitivity, an optimum internal current amplification of the BJT; make proof-of-concept demonstration of the proposed idea by detecting ions with an instantaneous response. Through this research, we aim at establishing world-leading competence in exploitation of standard Si technology for health applications at Uppsala University.