Project R-1313

Fabrication of nanocrystalline diamond-based acoustic devices for (bio-)sensing purposes. (Research)

In the last 5 years within the diamond research, a lot of attention is paid to the growth and characterization of (ultra) nanocrystalline diamond films. Despite the fact that these films are typically kept thinner than 1um and are made up of grains between 5nm and some 100 nanometers in size, there are many potential applications. The scientific literature indicates examples for the use in nano / micro-electromechanical systems (N / MEMS), electrochemical electrodes, as stable biological platform, etc. This project proposal focuses on the use of different properties of nanocrystalline diamond films for the use in acoustic applications. Acoustic waves are very sensitive to small disturbances, which ensures that applications based on the propagation of these waves are promising as a sensor for the detection of various (bio-) molecules. Despite the fact that diamond, in theory, is not piezoelectric material, diamond, because of its extreme mechanical properties, may play an important role in improving the current generation of sensors. In addition, the chemical resistance, biocompatibility and the fact that the diamond possesses the most stable surface when functionalized with (bio-) molecules, form additional assets. This proposal will follow two principles, namely "diamond in piezoelectric materials└ and ┐piezoelectric materials on diamonds└. More specifically, three different applications based on nano-crystalline diamond will be examined: a piezoelectric bimorfe cantilever, a ┐flexural plate wave device┐ and a ┐thickness shear mode resonator└. The goal is to manufacture these applications and optimize them to achieve superior sensitivity in comparison with current available devices. Ultimately, the use as a biosensor will be examined in cooperation with other groups within and outside IMO. The expertise gained within this project will lead to sensitive, reliable devices that bring new applications, but also allow to do basic research into e.g. heterostructures formed by the attachment of (bio-) molecules with the diamond surface.

01 January 2008 - 31 December 2013