Optical probing of biomolecular layers on semiconductors

We investigate micro- and nanostructured semiconductor devices mainly based on silicon (Silicon-on-Insulator) with tailored electronic and optical properties for biosensing applications. Recently, we have been studying the electric field induced conformational change of DNA layers on gold allowing for the sensitive detection of affinity binding reactions (e.g., hybridization). In the framework of the Graduate School "Materials Science of Complex Interfaces" silicon based optical microresonator structures of high quality factors will be investigated as a novel probe system for such dynamic changes of biomolecular layers.

Relevant Publications:

1. M. G. Nikolaides, S. Rauschenbach, S. Luber, K. Buchholz, M. Tornow, G. Abstreiter, A. R. Bausch (2003). Silicon-on-Insulator based thin-film resistor for chemical and biological sensor applications. ChemPhysChem 4, 1104.
2. U. Rant, K. Arinaga, S. Fujita, N. Yokoyama, G. Abstreiter and M. Tornow (2004). Dynamic Electrical Switching of DNA Layers on a Metal Surface. Nano Letters 4, 2441.