Abstract: A sensor device and method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid solution are disclosed. The sensor device system can comprise a substrate and an array of free-standing nanowires attached to the substrate. The array can include individual free-standing nanowires wherein each of the individual free-standing nanowires have a first end and a second end. The first end can, in some embodiments, be attached to the substrate and the second end unattached to the substrate. Such individual free-standing nanowires are configured for electrical communication with other individual free-standing nanowires through the first end. A signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array of free-standing nanowires for receiving electrical information from the array of free-standing nanowires.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a substrate having a dopant of a first polarity, a first semiconducting structure including a dopant of a second polarity disposed over the substrate, and having substantially planar top and side surfaces. The semiconductor device includes a first junction, formed between the first semiconducting structure and the substrate, having an area wherein at least one lateral dimension is less than about 75 nanometers.