Ultra-High Frequency (500 MHz) Capacitance Spectroscopy for Nanobiosensing

Abstract—We report unprecedented ultra high frequency capacitance spectroscopy measurements up to 500 MHz on a nanoelectrode array for biosensing applications, which extends considerably the previous 70 MHz limit. To achieve this goal, a high-frequency adapter board and measurement system are designed to drive the sensing nanoelectrodes of an existing biochip with appropriate clocks generated by an advanced highspeed pulser. Experimental results in dry and in electrolyte conditions are reported. The extended frequency range enables to overcome the Debye screening cut-off frequency of electrolytes at physiological salt concentrations, thus disclosing new perspectives for single molecule detection.