ERA NANOSCI: Nanowire Arrays for Multifunctional Chemical Sensors

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Eickhoff
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 38621505

The scope of the proposed project is the development of a technological and scientific platform for the realization of novel multifunctional chemical sensors with enhanced selectivity based on arrays of interacting semiconductor nanowires (NWs). The multifunctionality of these devices is achieved by combining conventional detection principles with new optoelectronic sensing mechanisms originating in the high surface to volume ration of NWs. To achieve this, individual GaN based NW heterostructures for light emission and detection as well as chemically sensitive metal oxide NWs have to be precisely aligned on the same substrate. Therefor, a new NW manipulation method based on chemical immobilization techniques for biomolecules will be developed and combined with electron beam lithography and focussed ion beam techniques. The novel device functionalities and its nanoscale dimensions will upset the classical approach to sensors causing a breakthrough for nanoscience and nanotechnology.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Italy, Spain
• Participating Persons: Dr. Elisabetta Comini; Professor Dr. Joan Ramon Morante