Large-scale assembly of highly flexible low-noise devices based on silicon nanowires

Nanotechnology. 2010 Apr 9;21(14):145302. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/14/145302. Epub 2010 Mar 10.

Abstract

Recently, integrated flexible devices based on silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have received significant attention as high performance flexible devices. However, most previous assembly methods can generate only specifically-shaped devices and require unconventional facilities, which has been a major hurdle for industrial applications. Herein, we report a simple but very efficient method for assembling Si-NWs into virtually generally-shape patterns on flexible substrates using only conventional microfabrication facilities, allowing us to mass-produce highly flexible low-noise devices. As proof of this method, we demonstrated the fabrication of highly bendable top-gate transistors based on Si-NWs. These devices showed typical n-type semiconductor behaviors, and exhibited a much lower noise level compared to previous flexible devices based on organic conductors or other nanowires. In addition, the gating behaviors and low-noise characteristics of our devices were maintained, even under highly bent conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't