Emerging Electronics

Our goal is to strive to safeguard our research at the Divison of Solid-State Electronics to be high-quality, basic, strategic and long-term.
As the chair professor and research leader of the scientific discipline “Solid-State Electronics”, Professor Shi-Li Zhang’s three major objectives are to:
- Define, enable and support the research directions for the entire Division of Solid-State Electronics;
- Recruit and cultivate young generations of scientists and project/group leaders; and
- Initiate new directions and engage appropriate scientists through internal collaboration with other research groups so as to ensure a smooth transfer once the implementation of a new direction is proven successful.
By actively communicating and engaging the group leaders and senior scientists at the Division, Shi-Li strives to safeguard our research to be high-quality, basic, strategic and long-term.
The research focus “Emerging Electronics” encompasses today three major areas pertaining to life-science technologies and brain-inspired computing.
Research projects
Current projects
Solid-state nanopore technology for biomedical applications
Novel nanopore designs for protein studies
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Contributing scientists: Ngan Pham, Yao Yao, Chenyu Wen
Internal collaborators: Zhen Zhang’s group (Shuangshuang Zeng, Zhen Zhang)
External funding: SOEB
The sub-project explores novel nanopore designs for protein studies. This project builds on the rich outcomes of our recently successfully concluded framework project on nanopores for DNA sequencing sponsored by the Swedish Research Council (VR). The outcomes span from knowledge, process technology, modelling capability to advanced characterisation facilities. The fabrication process for the novel nanopores is based on standard silicon technology and is being developed in the cleanroom laboratory at Ångström. Theoretical modelling with a focus on strategies for signal enhancement and noise mitigation has been instrumental for our design and operation of nanopores and nanopore systems.
Nanopores for DNA sequencing
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Contributing scientists: Shiyu Li, Shuangshuang Zeng, Klas Hjort, Chenyu Wen, Zhen Zhang
The sub-project represents our final efforts to demonstrate DNA sequencing based on our novel silicon-based nanopore technology. The detection capability has been extended to including advanced optical means, thereby making our characterisation more versatile. Theoretical modelling continues to both support our understanding and improve our device and characterisation design.
A novel optoelectronic device for sensing at single-molecule level
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Contributing scientists: Yupeng Yang, Apurba Dev
Internal collaborators: Apurba Dev’s group
With this new project, we explore a novel optoelectronic device for sensing at single-molecule level. Smart exploitation of emerging technologies such as efficient phototransistors based on ultrathin semiconductors including 2D layered structures, upconversion nanocrystals and Förster resonant energy transfer will be key to the success of this project. The research is conducted in the Ångström Laboratory, but we also seek collaborations.
External funding: VR
Brain-inspired computing
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Internal collaborators: Zhibin Zhang’s group (Libo Chen, Zhibin Zhang); Robin Augustine’s group; Tomas Kubart’s group; Zhen Zhang’s group
Advanced electronic components constitute the core research area of our scientific discipline “Solid-State Electronics”. In the past, we carried out research on innovative technologies to enable extremely down-scaled silicon CMOS devices. To cope with the drastic changes in device research towards next/generation computing, we have been initiating this new direction on brain-inspired computing. This represents an effort to strengthen our research portfolio, to support new activities being conducted at the various research groups and to exploit and further develop our existing strengths in thin-film, silicon processing and semiconductor device technologies. A couple of examples of the new activities are neuromorphic electronics and ultralow-temperature electronics.
Concluded projects
Nanodevices for DNA sequencing
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Work package leaders: Zhen Zhang (nanofabrication), Klas Hjort (nanofluidics), Ralph Scheicher (ab initio simulations), Shi-Li Zhang (characterization and physics)
Other scientists: Chenyu Wen, Shuangshuang Zeng, Shiyu Li, Tomas Nyberg
Collaborations: Dr. Kai Arstila and Prof. Timo Sajavaara of Nanoscience Center at University of Jyväskylä, Finland; Prof. Gregory Schneider of Leiden University, the Netherlands; Paul Solomon of IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York.
External funding: VR, SOEB
The project explores novel device concepts for DNA sequencing. The nanodevices are silicon-based and have been fabricated in the cleanroom laboratory at Ångström. Theoretical modelling with a focus on strategies for signal enhancement and noise mitigation has been instrumental for our design and operation of nanopores and nanopore systems. Apart from our state-of-the-art electron-beam lithography system, we collaborate internationally for novel nanopore fabrication approaches. Advanced electrical characterization facilities have already been established.
Low-dimensionality materials for sensing and energy
Project leader: Shi-Li Zhang
Other scientists: Malkolm Hinnemo, Patrik Ahlberg, Tomas Nyberg, Zhi-Bin Zhang, Youwei Zhang
Collaborations: Prof. Ulf Jansson and Dr. Mikael Ottosson of Chemistry-Ångström; Prof. Zhijun Qiu of Fudan University, Shanghai
External funding: VR, KAW, SOEB
We have been exploring graphene as a novel electrode for ion sensing. The idea builds on a dual-mode, field-effect electronic device with which more information can be extracted in order to understand the surface adsorption and desorption that influence the sensing outcome. Emerging 2D materials such as MoS2 and WS2 are joining this activity. We employ both CVD and PVD methods for large-area synthesis of the 2D materials. A novel method termed ALD will soon be added to this family of advanced synthesis techniques. The potential of such 2D materials for energy applications has also been investigated.
Novel metallization for WBG devices towards energy-efficiency electronic system
Project leader: Hans Norström
Scientists: Shabnam Mardani, Ulf Smith, Jörgen Olsson, Shi-Li Zhang
External funding: SSF
Wide band gap (WBG) materials and devices have been the subject of several successful Swedish research projects. The work so far has mainly concentrated on those material properties that give WBG devices a far better performance than silicon counterparts under similar operating conditions. Although these devices are eminently suited for harsh conditions, the applications are presently limited by the metallurgical stability of the metallization. We have therefore been investigating if a metallization scheme based on Ag or Cu, combined with barrier and cap layers of Ta and TaN, can be optimized to provide reliable operation at very high temperatures and very high electrical current densities.
Group members
Publications
Phototransistors of Engineered InGaZnO Channel for Specific Molecular Detection in the Visible Range
Part of ACS Applied Optical Materials, p. 2092-2100, 2024
- DOI for Phototransistors of Engineered InGaZnO Channel for Specific Molecular Detection in the Visible Range
- Download full text (pdf) of Phototransistors of Engineered InGaZnO Channel for Specific Molecular Detection in the Visible Range
Part of ACS Omega, p. 51022-51030, 2024
- DOI for Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence of Single Extracellular Vesicles Captured in Arrayed Aluminum Nanoholes
- Download full text (pdf) of Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence of Single Extracellular Vesicles Captured in Arrayed Aluminum Nanoholes
A Nanoribbon-Based Ion-Gated Lateral Bipolar Amplifier for Ion Sensing
Part of IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, p. 4362-4367, 2024
Part of ACS Nano, p. 20449-20458, 2024
- DOI for Understanding Electrophoresis and Electroosmosis in Nanopore Sensing with the Help of the Nanopore Electro-Osmotic Trap
- Download full text (pdf) of Understanding Electrophoresis and Electroosmosis in Nanopore Sensing with the Help of the Nanopore Electro-Osmotic Trap
Towards an Integrated Optoelectronic Device for Single-Molecule Detection in Electrolytes
2024
Spike timing–based coding in neuromimetic tactile system enables dynamic object classification
Part of Science, p. 660-665, 2024
- DOI for Spike timing–based coding in neuromimetic tactile system enables dynamic object classification
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Part of Nature Communications, 2024
- DOI for ASXLs binding to the PHD2/3 fingers of MLL4 provides a mechanism for the recruitment of BAP1 to active enhancers
- Download full text (pdf) of ASXLs binding to the PHD2/3 fingers of MLL4 provides a mechanism for the recruitment of BAP1 to active enhancers
Part of The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, p. 2339-2346, 2023
- DOI for Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence of Single Quantum Dots Immobilized in Optically Coupled Aluminum Nanoholes
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Method for producing a superconducting transistor
2023
Flexible conductive silk-PPy hydrogel toward wearable electronic strain sensors
Part of Biomedical Materials, 2022
Docking and Activity of DNA Polymerase on Solid-State Nanopores
Part of ACS Sensors, p. 1476-1483, 2022
- DOI for Docking and Activity of DNA Polymerase on Solid-State Nanopores
- Download full text (pdf) of Docking and Activity of DNA Polymerase on Solid-State Nanopores
A Generalized Transformer-Based Pulse Detection Algorithm
Part of ACS Sensors, p. 2710-2720, 2022
- DOI for A Generalized Transformer-Based Pulse Detection Algorithm
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Autogenic electrolysis of water powered by solar and mechanical energy
Part of Nano Energy, 2022
- DOI for Autogenic electrolysis of water powered by solar and mechanical energy
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Highly Conductive Films by Rapid Photonic Annealing of Inkjet Printable Starch–Graphene Ink
Part of Advanced Materials Interfaces, 2022
Surfactant-free starch-graphene composite films as simultaneous oxygen and water vapour barriers
Part of npj 2D Materials and Applications, 2022
- DOI for Surfactant-free starch-graphene composite films as simultaneous oxygen and water vapour barriers
- Download full text (pdf) of Surfactant-free starch-graphene composite films as simultaneous oxygen and water vapour barriers
A Guide to Signal Processing Algorithms for Nanopore Sensors
Part of ACS Sensors, p. 3536-3555, 2021
- DOI for A Guide to Signal Processing Algorithms for Nanopore Sensors
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Influence of substrate-induced thermal stress on the superconducting properties of V3Si thin films
Part of Journal of Applied Physics, 2021
On current blockade upon analyte translocation in nanopores
Part of Journal of Applied Physics, 2021
Ultrathin Solar Cells Based on Atomic Layer Deposition of Cubic versus Orthorhombic Tin Monosulfide
Part of ACS Applied Energy Materials, p. 8085-8097, 2021
- DOI for Ultrathin Solar Cells Based on Atomic Layer Deposition of Cubic versus Orthorhombic Tin Monosulfide
- Download full text (pdf) of Ultrathin Solar Cells Based on Atomic Layer Deposition of Cubic versus Orthorhombic Tin Monosulfide
Deep Learning of Nanopore Sensing Signals Using a Bi-Path Network
Part of ACS Nano, p. 14419-14429, 2021
- DOI for Deep Learning of Nanopore Sensing Signals Using a Bi-Path Network
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Self-Limited Formation of Bowl-Shaped Nanopores for Directional DNA Translocation
Part of ACS Nano, p. 17938-17946, 2021
- DOI for Self-Limited Formation of Bowl-Shaped Nanopores for Directional DNA Translocation
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Surfactant-Free Stabilization of Aqueous Graphene Dispersions Using Starch as a Dispersing Agent
Part of ACS Omega, p. 12050-12062, 2021
- DOI for Surfactant-Free Stabilization of Aqueous Graphene Dispersions Using Starch as a Dispersing Agent
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Fundamentals and potentials of solid-state nanopores: a review
Part of Journal of Physics D, 2021
Superconducting V3Si for quantum circuit applications
Part of Microelectronic Engineering, 2021
Artificial tactile peripheral nervous system supported by self-power transducers
Part of Nano Energy, 2021
- DOI for Artificial tactile peripheral nervous system supported by self-power transducers
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Nanowire Transistor Biosensors: Noise and Mitigation
2021
Engineering Surfaces of Solid-State Nanopores for Biomolecule Sensing
2021
A Nanopore Array of Individual Addressability Enabled by Integrating Microfluidics and a Multiplexer
Part of IEEE Sensors Journal, p. 1558-1563, 2020
Estimating Detection Limits of Potentiometric DNA sensors Using Surface Plasmon Resonance Analyses
Part of ACS Sensors, p. 217-224, 2020
Synergy of Ionic and Dipolar Effects by Molecular Design for pH Sensing beyond the Nernstian Limit
Part of Advanced Science, 2020
- DOI for Synergy of Ionic and Dipolar Effects by Molecular Design for pH Sensing beyond the Nernstian Limit
- Download full text (pdf) of Synergy of Ionic and Dipolar Effects by Molecular Design for pH Sensing beyond the Nernstian Limit
Visualization of DNA Translocation and Clogging Using Photoluminescent-Free Silicon Nanopore Arrays
Part of 2020 IEEE 20th International Conference on Nanotechnology (IEEE-NANO), p. 193-197, 2020
Understanding the Role of Surface States on Mesoporous NiO Films
Part of Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2020
Part of IEEE Electron Device Letters, p. 4-7, 2020
Dynamics of DNA Clogging in Hafnium Oxide Nanopores
Part of Journal of Physical Chemistry B, p. 11573-11583, 2020
- DOI for Dynamics of DNA Clogging in Hafnium Oxide Nanopores
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Mechanism and kinetics of lipid bilayer formation in solid-state nanopores
Part of Langmuir, p. 1446-1453, 2020
Understanding the Role of Surface States on Mesoporous NiO Films
Part of Journal of the American Chemical Society, p. 18668-18678, 2020
Part of Journal of Applied Physics, 2020
- DOI for High thermoelectric power factor of p-type amorphous silicon thin films dispersed with ultrafine silicon nanocrystals
- Download full text (pdf) of High thermoelectric power factor of p-type amorphous silicon thin films dispersed with ultrafine silicon nanocrystals
On Induced Surface Charge in Solid-State Nanopores
Part of Langmuir, p. 8874-8882, 2020
Rapid Four-Point Sweeping Method to Investigate Hysteresis of MoS2 FET
Part of IEEE Electron Device Letters, p. 1356-1359, 2020
Part of ACS Sensors, p. 427-433, 2019
Part of ACS Nano, p. 2289-2297, 2019
Fabrication of a 650V Superjunction MOSFET With Built-in MOS-Channel Diode for Fast Reverse Recovery
Part of IEEE Electron Device Letters, p. 1159-1162, 2019
A High-Speed Si-Based Power Transistor With Bipolar-Assisted Gate Discharging Behavior
Part of IEEE Electron Device Letters, p. 589-592, 2019
Optical Monitoring of Single Nanoparticle Capture in a Solid-State Nanopore Array
2019
Investigation of device physics and modeling of semi-floating gate image sensor cell
Part of Microelectronic Engineering, p. 111111-111111, 2019
Nanoparticle Localization on Solid-State Nanopores Via Electrophoretic Force
Part of 2019 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOLID-STATE SENSORS, ACTUATORS AND MICROSYSTEMS & EUROSENSORS XXXIII (TRANSDUCERS & EUROSENSORS XXXIII), p. 2372-2375, 2019
Optical monitoring of single nanoparticle capture in solid-state nanopore array
2019
Parallelized single-molecule translocations in arrayed silicon nanopores coated with a lipid bilayer
2019
Signal and Noise Properties of Translocation Current in Multiple-Nanopore Sensors
2019
Solid-State Nanopores for Sensing: From Theory to Applications
2019