A Bioelectronic P-I-N Diode Chip for Improved Efficiency Using Magnetosomes of Magnetotactic Bacteria

Abstract

This research proposes the integration of conventional silicon electronics with bioelectronics for an improved responsivity and quantum efficiency in a photodetector. Introducing isolated magnetosomes of Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB) in the active region of a p-i-n diode chip increases the photogenerated carriers drift velocity that improves the composite efficiency of the device. Basically, by tuning the magnetic field through the inbuilt electric field, the lifetime of the generated carriers can be extended and thereby eliminating the annihilation of generated excitons in the device. This research utilizes the unique effects of the wide range of phenomena offered by Magnetotactic bacteria considered as a nanomanipulator to improve the functions of the intrinsic region of the p-i-n diode. A responsivity of 0.89 nA/uW at 850 nm was achieved. The speedy transportation of the generated carriers also improved the 
temperature stability of the device. Other projected advantages of this device include a very negligible package parasitic effect, negligible contact resistance, and an inductance of the order of 0.01nH.