Graphene Sensor Structure for Minute Electrical Signal Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors struggle to accurately detect minute changes in electrical signals, particularly in bioapplications, due to limitations in sensitivity and signal conversion processes.

Innovation Solution

A graphene-based sensor is developed, comprising a substrate, doped regions, an insulator layer, a graphene layer, and electrodes, which enhances reaction sensitivity and enables precise measurement of electrical signal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensors are used for detecting electrical signals, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the measurement precision and reaction sensitivity are insufficient for detecting minute changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining silicon substrate, doped regions, insulator layers, and graphene layer. The graphene layer is specifically positioned on the doped region to form a field-effect sensor that leverages the high electron mobility and sensitivity of graphene while maintaining the structural support and electrical properties of the silicon-based doped region, achieving enhanced detection sensitivity through material composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local doping to specific regions of the silicon substrate to create doped regions with controlled electrical properties. The graphene layer is then selectively positioned on these doped regions rather than uniformly across the entire substrate, creating localized sensing zones with optimized electrical characteristics for detecting minute changes in electrical signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If electrochemical method-based sensors are used, then portability and miniaturization are improved, but the ability to accurately measure minute electrical signal changes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical signal measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor material efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes field-effect principles where the electrical parameters (conductivity, carrier concentration) of the doped silicon region are modulated by the presence of target substances. The graphene layer serves as a sensitive channel whose electrical properties change in response to analyte binding, enabling detection through parameter changes rather than direct chemical reactions, thereby improving measurement accuracy for minute electrical signal changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The graphene-based sensor achieves higher reaction sensitivity compared to traditional sensors, allowing for accurate measurement of changes in electrical signals caused by interactions with antigens, antibodies, enzymes, DNA, and other substances.

Implementation Method 1

a doped region formed by doping a partial region of the substrate with impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

graphene has two-dimensional planar crystal structure having a hexagonal honeycomb shape, and is used in various fields due to the thinness and lightness and excellent durability and conductivity thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4556900A1Graphene-based sensor, measurement device using same, specimen measurement method, and specimen analysis method
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 A BARRISTOR CO
  • EP4556900A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP4556900A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3A
  • EP4556900A1 patent drawingFigure 3B~4A

AI summary

A graphene-based sensor, a measurement device using the same, and a method of measuring and analyzing a specimen are provided. The graphene-based sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a doped region formed by doping a partial region of the substrate with impurities, an insulator layer stacked on the substrate except for a portion of the doped region, a graphene layer stacked on the doped region, a first electrode connected to the graphene layer, and a second electrode connected to the doped region.