Sains Malaysiana 41(6)(2012): 755–759

Fabrication of Amorphous Silicon Microgap Structure for Energy Saving Devices

(Fabrikasi Struktur Mikrogap Silikon Amorfus untuk Peranti Jimat Tenaga)

T.H. S. Dhahi, U. Hashim*, M.E. Ali & T. Nazwa

Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, University Malaysia Perlis, 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia

Received: 22 February 2011 / Accepted: 18 November 2011

ABSTRACT

We report here the fabrication of microgaps electrodes on amorphous silicon using low cost techniques such as vacuum deposition and conventional lithography. Amorphous silicon is a low cost material and has desirable properties for semiconductor applications. Microgap electrodes have important applications in power saving devices, electrochemical sensors and dielectric detections of biomolecules. Physical characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated such microgap electrodes could be produced with high reproducibility and precision. Preliminary electrical characterizations showed such structures are able to maintain a good capacitance parameters and constant current supply over a wide ranging differences in voltages. They have also good efficiency of power consumption with high insulation properties.

Keywords: Dielectric detection of biomolecule; microgap electrodes; power saving devices

ABSTRAK

Kami laporkan fabrikasi elektrod mikrogap silikon amorfus menggunakan teknik kos rendah seperti pemendapan vakum dan litografi konvensional. Silikon amorfus adalah bahan kos rendah dan mempunyai sifat yang berguna dalam aplikasi semikonduktor. Elektrod mikroluang mempunyai aplikasi penting dalam peranti jimat kuasa, sensor elektrokimia dna pengesan dielektrik biomolekul. Ciri-ciri fizikal menggunakan mikroskop electron imbasan (SEM) menunjukkan elektrod mikroluang boleh dihasilkan dengan kebolehulangan yang tinggi dan persis. Pencirian elektrik awal menunjukkan struktur seperti ini boleh menghasilkan parameter kapasitor yang baik dan pembekal arus malar untuk julat voltan yang lebar. Ia juga mempunyai kecekapan penggunaan kuasa dengan sifat penebat yang tinggi.

Kata kunci: Elektrod mikrogap; pengesan biomolekul dielektrik; peranti jimat kuasa

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*Correspondence author; email: uda@unimap.edu.my