Electrical and Electronics Engineering PhD Thesis Defense by Murat Kuscu

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KOÇ UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES & ENGINEERING

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

PhD THESIS DEFENSE BY MURAT KUSCU

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Title: Nanoscale and Bio-inspired Communication Techniques for the Internet of Bio-Nano Things

Speaker: Murat Kuşcu

Time: November 14, 2017, 13:30

Place: ENG B11

Koç University

Rumeli Feneri Yolu

Sariyer, Istanbul

Thesis Committee Members:

Prof. Özgür Barış Akan (Advisor, Koç University)

Prof. A. Murat Tekalp (Koç University)

Prof. Fatih Alagöz (Boğaziçi University)
Prof. Alper T. Erdoğan (Koç University)
Assoc. Prof. Berk Canberk (İstanbul Technical University)

Abstract:

Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is a novel ICT framework, in which nanomachines and biological entities, such as nanobiosensors and living cells, are connected with each other and with conventional networks to cooperatively perform sensing, actuation and processing. The framework has an enormous potential to transform the way we connect with and understand the world “at the bottom”. Realization of IoBNT, however, demands novel engineering solutions to overcome unique challenges regarding miniaturization and connectivity subject to peculiarities of nanoscale-physics and limited capabilities of bio-nano things. This thesis is focused on the challenges regarding the physical layer of IoBNT. To this end, communication techniques that can enable high-speed and reliable wireless communication in nanonetworks and provide a seamless interface between the nanonetworks and the macroscale cyber networks are investigated. The first part of the thesis is concentrated on the use of fluorophores to enable wireless communication at nanoscale through Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Communication theoretical models for FRET-based mobile ad hoc nanonetworks are developed. The novel concept of Internet of Molecular Things is introduced to further extend the coverage of IoBNT with networks of sub-100nm photoactive molecular devices. Moreover, the first practical realization of a wireless nanoscale communication network is achieved with a network of single molecular fluorescent transceivers. The second part is focused on molecular communications. The feasibility of designing a molecular receiver meeting the requirements of nanonetwork applications and also serving the needs of an nano-macro interface for IoBNT is thoroughly examined. Field effect transistor (FET)-based biosensing is proposed as the most viable solution to design a molecular receiver. A communication theoretical model for Silicon Nanowire (SiNW) BioFET-based MC receiver is developed and the noise statistics at the receiver output is derived. The performance of this receiver is evaluated in terms of common ICT metrics such as Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).