Optimized operation of silicon nanowire field effect transistor sensors

Abstract

Ion-sensitive field effect transistors have been advanced in recent years by utilizing silicon nanowires (Si-NWs), but establishing their optimized operation regime is an area of ongoing research. We propose a modified configuration of SiNWs in the form of a honeycomb structure to obtain high signal to noise ratio and high current stability. The low-frequency noise characteristics and the electrical stress are systematically considered for the optimization and compared against conventional SiNW devices. The operation voltage of the device severely affects the sensing stability; as the gate voltage is increased, the signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced, however, the stress effect becomes severe, and vice versa. The honeycomb nanowire structure shows enhanced noise characteristics in low voltage operation, proving to be an optimum solution for achieving highly stable sensor operation.