Building the RADICAL sensor - via LEGO!
Here’s how we’re making the RADICAL electronic sensor for atmospheric radicals, via LEGO!
First we build a base for our device out of layers of silicon, insulator, silicon. Here the silicon is represented by the red bricks and the cream bricks represent a silicon dioxide layer. Next we create an array of silicon nanowires using a top-down method of lithography and etching. We add metal contact pads at each end and this completes the Junctionless Nanowire Transistor Device.
In order to make the sensor work as a sensor, we apply a layer of organic molecules to the surface of the nanowires. These are molecules which are chosen to selectively react with particular gases such as hydroxyl and nitrate radicals. And here come the radicals which react and bind to the surface molecules. This creates an electrical signal, processed by an AI algorithm, which tells us that a radical is detected, making our scientists very happy indeed.
To find out more about the RADICAL project and how we’re building an electronic sensor for atmospheric radicals, visit our website: https://radical-air.eu/ or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.