Analysis of the effects of surface interaction on Silicon Nanowires' conduction

Semiconducting nanowires with transverse dimensions of less than 10nm are considered, among all, as good candidates for gas sensing applications. Interaction with molecules and surface materials modifies the transport properties of the wire, largely dominated by quantum effects. Here we propose a systematic analysis of the transport properties of a silicon nanowire interacting with a surface material with different geometrical and electrical properties. We demonstrate the sensitivity of the transmission spectrum and current on the external layer thickness and permittivity, surface charge density and surface coverage.