Computer simulation and optimization of a light addressable potentiometric sensor

Abstract Among the variety of bioelectronic devices used as biosensors, a recently implemented light addressable silicon-based potentiometric sensor appears to have significant capabilities in a wide range of applications. A physical study of the device is presented here in terms of a computer-aided simulation, which allows optimization of its design and performance through a better understanding of the principles and the working conditions of this class of biosensors. Our model appears to be capable of simulating the pH sensitivity and the bias potential dependences of the alternating photocurrent, actually determined in an ‘in-house’ experimental set-up. Its possible application for the optimization of biosensor construction is also considered.

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