Advanced FET-based Biomolecule Sensing

In this PhD, we will investigate which electronic sensors are most suited to detect biological molecules in electrolytic environments. Computer simulation of various electronic sensors is a powerful tool to screen different sensor architectures and to predict their relative performance. This allows the PhD student to predict the most highly-performing sensor architectures. Modeling and theoretical insight will be corroborated by experiment on cutting-edge sensor devices made in imec’s nanomanufacturing facilities. We will explore innovative sensing techniques to enhance sensor performance beyond the state-of-the-art. In-depth sensor experiments will undoubtedly provide a wealth of information and exciting new insights in the field.

Fig.1 : Artist’s impression of a biosensor (nanowire FET) used to read DNA molecules in an electrolyte solution. The charged biomolecule binds close to the channel dielectric and modulates the current inside the nanowire.