Optical responses in biofunctionalized spherical semiconductor quantum dots

Given the optoelectronic properties of gallium arsenide (GaAs), it is currently a promising candidate for the development of optimal platforms for optical biosensing devices. The biofunctionalization of this semiconductor can be achieved using biomaterials extensively explored in life sciences for diagnostics. In this study, we investigate the synergistic impact of a functional biomaterial shell and a diatomic confining potential on the electronic and optical properties of GaAs/AlGaAs/bioshell spherical quantum dots. Calculations were conducted within the framework of effective mass and parabolic band approximations, solving the Schrödinger equation for a confined electron using the finite element method (FEM). Our findings reveal that alterations in the sizes of the GaAs core, AlGaAs shell, biomaterial shell, and confinement potential parameters result in significant variations in the energies of electron quantum dots and the optical absorption spectrum. We conclude that the diatomic confinement potential parameters enable adjustment of both ground and excited state energies, thereby modulating the amplitudes and positions of peaks in the obtained optical properties. This nuanced control over the quantum dot properties holds promise for tailoring device performance in optical biosensing applications. By enhancing sensitivity and specificity in detecting biomolecules, such devices could revolutionize biomedical diagnostics, offering rapid and accurate detection of diseases or biomarkers.