Nanoelectronic devices for quantum computing
The research has been focused on the development of single-electron transistors (SET) for miniaturized electronic systems with a very low energy consumption. Current activities are oriented towards the development of technologies for semiconductor-based quantum computing, within the national project Q-TECH and the Horizon Europe Qu-Pilot Framework Partnership Agreement and its Qu-Pilot Specific Partnership Agreement on supporting experimental production capabilities for quantum technologies in Europe.
Nanoelectronic devices for (bio)sensing
The activities in this field have covered a broad range of topics, based on devices such as ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET) and arrays of metallic micro/nano-electrodes. The ISFET activities included the development of a fabrication method for ISFETs in unmodified CMOS processes of commercial foundries, which paved the way for the development of all-electrical next-generation DNA sequencing chips and systems.
The applications have been mainly focused on the biomedical field, in the framework of projects funded by the various European Research and Innovation Framework programmes. Specific device examples developed over the years are microprobe multisensors for cardiac monitoring, olfactory nanobiosensor devices, and point-of-care biosensors for diagnosis and therapy monitoring of heart failure patients.