David Bishop (4)

Wide- and Zero-bandgap Nanodevices for Viral Detection 

ECE faculty profile picture bishopPROJECT DESCRIPTION
Semiconducting nanocrystals may unlock the information needed to profile physiology and disease beyond current state-of-the-art technology. Contemporary diagnostics rely on expensive, time-consuming, optically-limited mechanisms that obstructs complete access to biomolecular profiles. The research employed here aims to leverage two-dimensional crystals for biosensing applications that could augment or substitute canonical bioassays.

Biosensing is being explored with commercial four-inch graphene/silicon oxide/p-type silicon. Graphene field-effect transistors are being characterized for use in three schemes to sense aqueous protons, genes, and proteins for assaying SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers. Combining graphene devices with a wide-bandgap material known as hexagonal boron nitride could augment the electronic properties of graphene, like the already large charge carrier mobility, making it more responsive to environmental stimuli with better signal.

LABORATORY MENTOR
Nicholas Fuhr

RESEARCH GOALS
– Design and fabrication of on-chip heater and temperature sensor for integration with carbon nanomaterial-based devices for bio sensing applications. This project will aim to explore sensing the temperature of the system and defining its figures of merit, followed by integration of heater, on the same chip as a graphene device used for bio sensing.
– Project will involve investigating temperature sensing mechanisms, materials compatibilities, and gathering experimental results after fabricating the sensor/heater by using the tools accessible in the optoelectronics processing facilities. 

LEARNING GOALS
– Learn about the design and fabrication in cleanroom
– Learn about graphene device physics
– Learn about temperature sensing and on-chip heaters
– Learn how to plan a short-term project and execute

Learn more about Professor Bishop on his faculty page.