UC San Diego

The sensitivity and selectivity of sensor technology can be improved by implementing material optimization. Graphene, the two-dimensional carbon sheet with promising physical properties, is one of the candidates to improve sensor performance. This dissertation focuses on the development of a sensitivity improvement strategy with the deployment of graphene. The numerical finite element method reveals improved surface refractive index sensing. The experimental study demonstrated high sensitivity with aptamer functionalized graphene, understood by the Hills-Langmuir adsorption mechanism.