Device for Measuring Small Potentials of a Sample, Method for Manufacturing the Device and Use of the Device

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This patent describes a nanostructured sensor apparatus using intersecting (cross-shaped) semiconductor nanowires, each shaped like a triangle or trapezoid in cross-section, for high-sensitivity measurement of small electrical potentials in samples, such as fluids or biological material. The device operates as a field-effect transistor (FET), with the nanowires electrically insulated from the sample by a dielectric layer containing charge-trap sites, whose interactions with charge carriers are influenced by the sample. The setup enables enhanced, highly-resolved detection by closely focusing measurements on specific trapping locations and controlling the flow of current at the nanoscale.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Biosensing for detecting specific biomolecules (e.g., cardiac biomarkers, cancer antigens) in medical diagnostics.
• Highly sensitive pH measurement and chemical analysis of liquid samples.
• Single-molecule or single-ion detection for research in chemistry and biology.
• Environmental monitoring through detection of trace analytes in water or other fluids.
• Quantum information technology applications, such as memory or logic gates based on charge states of trap sites.
• Advanced semiconductor research and nanoelectronics for studying fundamental charge transport phenomena.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Much higher measurement resolution and sensitivity compared to conventional FET-based sensors due to precise nanowire geometry and specific positioning of charge trap sites.
• Ability to measure signals from only one, precisely located trap (analyte binding site), reducing noise and increasing specificity.
• Enhanced selectivity for target molecules (e.g., via antibody functionalization), enabling specific medical diagnostics (such as cancer cell detection).
• Compatibility with existing CMOS manufacturing techniques allows for scalable and integrated production.
• Flexible adaptation for multiplexing by expanding to networks of nanowires with multiple intersection points (for simultaneous multi-analyte detection).
• Potential for extremely low detection limits (even down to single-molecular events), enabling cutting-edge research and new types of sensors.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a nanostructured apparatus for measuring small potentials of a sample. Said apparatus comprises at least one field effect transistor having a gate with a liquid-tight border, and means for applying a voltage to the gate. The apparatus is characterized in that said apparatus has a substrate and at least two nanowires (101, 102) which cross one another, are made from semiconductive material and each have a source contact and a drain contact with means for applying a voltage between the respective source and drain contacts. In this case, the nanowires are electrically insulated at least with respect to the sample by means of a dielectric layer along the surface thereof. At least one bearing point which can capture charge carriers from at least one of the two nanowires and conversely can deliver charge carriers to this nanowire is arranged in this layer. The two nanowires each have the shape of a triangle or trapezium in cross section, and means for applying a voltage to the substrate are arranged on the substrate.