Analytical Modeling Assisted Performance Analysis of SiGe-Source Heterojunction TFET-based Biosensor for Label-Free Detection

Abstract This study analyzes the capabilities of a SiGe-source Heterojunction Tunnel-FET (SiGe-HTFET) sensor for the detection of biomolecules (APTES, Gluten, Zenin and Gelatin) by modulating its electrical characteristics. The biosensor with two cavities is analyzed at three different alignments above the channel-oxide interface in order to optimize the sensor response for different biomolecules. The dual cavity configuration allows better control over the electrical performance characteristics of the biosensor, resulting in a higher response and sensitivity to biomolecules. This article investigates the response of a biosensor to identify biomolecules with different dielectric constants, different charge densities, cavity thickness and bio-molecule occupancy. The results show that the proposed biosensor has an excellent drain current response of 4.43 x 10 7 , I ON /I OFF response of 1.09 x 10 6 , a subthreshold swing response of 46.43 and an average resistive response (ΔR) of 78.44. Comparison with other published research reveals an overall higher response of the proposed heterojunction TFET biosensor to other TFET-based biosensors.