Introduction to dielectrically modulated biological field effect transistor

Abstract

In this embedded tutorial, a comprehensive account of dielectrically modulated biological field effect transistor (DM-BioFET) has been presented. The tutorial offers a general overview on BioFET, indicating the underlying physics of charge-modulated and dielectric-modulated transduction mechanism. Next, gradual developments in DM-BioFET have been discussed, and the effects of device downscaling on transduction performance has been typically emphasized. Subsequently, different DM-BioFET designs for transducer performance optimization has been analyzed from their device electrostatics and carrier transport mechanism. The comparative merits/ demerits of such emerging variants of DM-BioFET are also indicated in this context. In essence, the tutorial attempted to convey a clear understanding of DM-BioFET based biosensors for general readers, and the present research scenario, future promises as well as research challenges of this domain are duly elaborated for interested researchers.