DEMUX SiC optical transducers for fluorescent proteins detection
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DEMUX SiC optical transducers for fluorescent proteins detection 1,2,3
M. Vieira
, P. Louro1,2, M. A. Vieira1,2, M. Fernandes1,2, J. Costa1,2
1
Electronics Telecommunication and Computer Dept. ISEL, R. Conselheiro EmÃdio Navarro, 1949-014 Lisboa, Portugal Tel: +351 21 8317290, Fax: +351 21 8317114, [email protected] CTS-UNINOVA, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal. 3 DEE-FCT-UNL, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal 2
ABSTRACT This paper presents results on the optimization of multilayered a-SiC:H heterostructures that can be used as an optical transducer for fluorescent proteins detection. Stacked structures composed by p-i-n based a-SiC:H cells are used as wavelength selective devices, in the visible range. The transfer characteristics of the transducers are studied both theoretically and experimentally under several wavelength illuminations corresponding to different fluorophores and tested for a proper fine tuning in the violet, cyan and yellow wavelengths. The devices were characterized through spectral response measurements under different electrical and optical bias conditions and excitation frequencies. Results show that the output waveform is balanced by the wavelength and frequency of each input fluorescent signal, keeping the memory of the wavelength and intensity of the incoming optical carriers. To selectively recover a single wavelength a specific voltage or optical bias is applied. INTRODUCTION Over the past decade, fluorescent proteins have launched a new era in cell biology by enabling investigators to apply routine molecular cloning methods, fusing these optical probes to a wide variety of protein, in order to monitor cellular processes in living systems using fluorescence microscopy and related methodology. The spectrum of applications for fluorescent proteins ranges from reporters of transcriptional regulation and targeted markers to fusion proteins designed to monitor motility and dynamics. These probes have also opened the door to creating biosensors for numerous intracellular phenomena. By applying selected promoters and targeting signals, fluorescent protein biosensors can be introduced into an intact organism and directed to a host of specific tissues, cell types, as well as sub cellular compartments to enable a unique focus on monitoring a variety of physiological processes [1, 2]. There is great demand of autonomous systems able of rapid, highly sensitive, in situ characterization and quantification of chemical and biological species and in-vivo monitoring. For this purpose, biosensors must have remarkable sensitivity, specificity and efficiency due to the selective evolution of molecular mechanisms. We report results on the optimization of a-SiC:H heterostructures that can be used as optical transducer for fluorescent proteins detection. EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS Device optimization and operation Voltage and optical bias controlled devices, with front and back indium tin oxide transparent contacts, were produced by PECVD at 13.56 MHz r
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