Optimization of a boron doped nanocrystalline diamond temperature regulator for sensing applications

Abstract

Recently, the concept of creating a boron doped nanocrystalline diamond (B-NCD) based temperature regulator for bio-sensing applications was proven. In this work, the next step is taken, i.e. one device working simultaneously as thermistor and heater. In combination with a PID-control., it is possible to create a temperature control, with possible set points going from room temperature till 70°C, with an accuracy exceeding a maximum temperature variation of 0.2 °C. Parallel with steering the temperature by varying the current through the B-NCD film, its resistance is measured with a 4-point measurement from which the temperature can be derived using a calibration curve. This value is the feedback for the PID-control to steer the current used for the regulation.