Electronic systems for interfacing with new materials and devices

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is to explore and demonstrate electronics systems utilizing new materials and devices beyond the traditional ones solely based on Si CMOS technology. The first part of this thesis is to explore the combination of Bio-MEMS devices with traditional electronics as an effective diagnostic tool. In the case study of malaria, we report a microfluidic device as part of a continuous-flow cellular impedance spectroscopy system and a new data analysis method to differentiate Plasmodium falciparum-infected human erythrocytes including the early ring stage. The next parts of this thesis focus on two-dimensional (2D) materials which are believed to be a tool set for future electronics. In particular, graphene is explored as a new infrared sensitive material that can be used for sensors in mid- and long-wavelength infrared spectrum ([lambda] = 2- 15[mu]m) imaging systems. We demonstrate a Si CMOS-based readout IC and monolithic integration of an array of > 4000 electronically tunable graphene thermocouples. The prototype system shows that use of 2D material as add-on parts of the conventional technology can lead to development of new types of electronic applications. In addition to combinational uses with Si CMOS technology, 2D materials and their heterostructures have the potential to be used as stand-alone electronic systems. In the latter part of the thesis, we present a computer-aided design (CAD) flow for large-scale MoS₂ electronics. Combined with the state-of-the-art fabrication technology and the physics-based device model for MoS 2 FETs, a switched capacitor DC-DC converter, a half-wave rectifier, and a voltage doubler are implemented, and good agreement between simulation and measurement is observed. The presented CAD flow enables large-scale integrated circuit design on MoS₂ technology and paves the way for ubiquitous, flexible and possibly transparent electronics, such as printed RFID tags and transparent display drivers. Utilizing these design concepts, we push the capability of current electronics beyond its traditional boundaries.