Abstract

This study aims to design a "plasmoresistor" device that operates via optoelectronic transduction to rapidly detect target biomarkers. Traditional plasmonic biosensors rely on detection of optical shifts to the plasmonic frequency upon binding events. This method is inherently limited by the diffraction limit of spectrophotometers and is difficult for point-of-care situations in several aspects. The tools needed for optical read-outs are expensive, require special handling, and the analysis proves time-consuming. Here, detection of biomarkers will be achieved by utilizing the plasmonic hot electrons of illuminated gold nanorods. The changes to hot electron production are used to detect analyte adsorption. The plasmonic nanostructured device is selectively coated with pin-hole free, ultrathin films using area-selective atomic layer deposition. The precise control over film deposition allows for the optimization of hot electron transfer, while maintaining gold nanorod integrity. Bare Au surfaces available for intimate contact with molecules are required for label-free sensing. Investigation of hot electron generation from plasmonic nanostructures and injection through a Schottky barrier into a vicinal medium is essential to optimize the material properties of the device. This work aims to characterize the number of hot electrons generated by each plasmonic AuNR and by characterizing the optoelectronic dependance on the process-structure-property relationship of plasmoresistor devices. In addition, a novel material of TiSiN is systemically designed to achieve electrical properties that are independent of temperature. This system coupled with plasmonic nanoparticles offer an opportunity to study the electronic properties without the contribution of heat. The knowledge gained from this work will aid in future development of plasmoresistor devices as next generation sensors, photovoltaics, and photocatalysis.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2022

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Banerjee, Parag

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Program

Materials Science and Engineering

Identifier

CFE0009828; DP0027769

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027769

Language

English

Release Date

June 2026

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

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Restricted to the UCF community until June 2026; it will then be open access.

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