AbstractOne of the topical approaches in analysis – outside the framework of traditional ones – is the formation of an integral “image” of the object. There are several approaches to solving the issue of obtaining as much information about the sample by a certain portion of its properties or its composition as possible. The first approach is forming a visual image (diagram) of several different properties of the analyzed sample, for example, the content of certain metals, acids, volatile components and some other indicators of wine quality. The consolidated image of a sample enables us to distinguish samples identical or similar in the selected properties from crucially different ones, even in case of an acceptable change of each indicator. Or else, using the consolidated image one can evaluate the direction of an image shift of a certain sample compared to the set of standard samples. The analysis of the geometry of the sample image by diverse indicators affords ground for assumption of the reasons for this deviation, as well as identification of falsification, or even solution of a more complicated task: detecting the area of growth of raw materials. The second approach is close to the first one in terms of methodology, but it digitizes properties using detectors and presents this as an image (“visual print” of response) of signals of these detectors on some components of the sample (presence, content). The feature of this approach is the use of a detector system that is non-selective and cross-sensitive to certain sample components. These sample images are produced using a system of “electronic nose”. “Visual prints” of array signals of different character sensors contain qualitative and quantitative information about the part of the analyzed sample which is sorbed by sensors. Despite the uncertainty of this information, “electronic noses” of piezoelectric type are widely used in the analysis of samples with complex varying composition.
Electronic nose based on nanoweights, expectation and reality
