A Self-Locking Technique With Fast Response and High Sensitivity for Micro-Cantilever Based Sensing of Analytes

2002 ◽  
Vol 723 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mehta ◽  
G. Muralidharan ◽  
A. Passian ◽  
S. Cherian ◽  
T.L. Ferrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Q Factor ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Sensor Applications ◽  
Feedback Scheme ◽  
Micro Cantilever ◽  
Lock In ◽  
Thermal Oscillations

AbstractMEMS based microcantilevers have been employed as sensors in both liquid and ambient conditions. One scheme for detection is based upon monitoring the change in microcantilever resonant frequency as a function of the adsorbed analyte concentration. However, the sensitivity is limited by the accuracy of the frequency measurements, which is a function of the Q-factor of the vibrating element and the measurement bandwidth. In this paper, we present a feedback scheme for self-locking amplification of the small-amplitude thermal oscillations of the microcantilever. Using this approach, we demonstrate an improvement in the Q-factor by two to three orders of magnitude as compared to that of the undriven microcantilever. Use of this technique eliminates the need for lock-in detection and results in improved response times for sensor applications. Experiments using the proposed feedback amplification technique show improved sensitivity for the detection of biological molecules in liquids, and for adsorbed vapors under ambient conditions.

Electrospun Electroactive Polymer and Metal Oxide Nanofibers for Chemical Sensor Applications

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Flueckiger ◽  
Frank K. Ko ◽  
Karen C. Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Metal Oxide ◽  
Chemical Sensor ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Electrical Characterization ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Sensor Applications ◽  
Tio2 Nanofiber ◽  
Good Signal

We present the fabrication of a polymer blend PANi/PEO nanofiber based sensor as well as a metal oxide TiO2 nanofiber based sensor. Electrospinning was used for the fabrication of the electroactive nanofibers. The conductivity of those fibers is highly sensitive to the chemical environment and is modified through the adsorption of different species. Used as a chemiresistor the nanofibers offer a higher sensitivity than thin films due to the increased surface to volume ratio. Impedance spectroscopy was used for electrical characterization of the fibers showing high sensitivity. Preliminary measurements of the sensors dynamic response when exposed to alternating chemical environments showed fast response times and good signal stability.

scholarly journals Alcohol-based highly conductive polymer for conformal nanocoatings on hydrophobic surfaces toward a highly sensitive and stable pressure sensor

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Joon Lee ◽  
Srinivas Gandla ◽  
Byeongjae Lim ◽  
Sunju Kang ◽  
Sunyoung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Sensor ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Exchange Process ◽  
Conductive Polymer ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Pdms Surface ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Sensor Applications ◽  
Water Based

Abstract Conformal and ultrathin coating of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS on hydrophobic uneven surfaces is essential for resistive-based pressure sensor applications. For this purpose, a water-based poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) solution was successfully exchanged to an organic solvent-based PEDOT:PSS solution without any aggregation or reduction in conductivity using the ultrafiltration method. Among various solvents, the ethanol (EtOH) solvent-exchanged PEDOT:PSS solution exhibited a contact angle of 34.67°, which is much lower than the value of 96.94° for the water-based PEDOT:PSS solution. The optimized EtOH-based PEDOT:PSS solution exhibited conformal and uniform coating, with ultrathin nanocoated films obtained on a hydrophobic pyramid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface. The fabricated pressure sensor showed high performances, such as high sensitivity (−21 kPa−1 in the low pressure regime up to 100 Pa), mechanical stability (over 10,000 cycles without any failure or cracks) and a fast response time (90 ms). Finally, the proposed pressure sensor was successfully demonstrated as a human blood pulse rate sensor and a spatial pressure sensor array for practical applications. The solvent exchange process using ultrafiltration for these applications can be utilized as a universal technique for improving the coating property (wettability) of conducting polymers as well as various other materials.

Speed of Sound Measurement in Solids Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Sensors

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon M. Headings ◽  
Kunal Kotian ◽  
Marcelo J. Dapino
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Stress Wave ◽  
Speed Of Sound ◽  
Polyvinylidene Fluoride ◽  
Response Times ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Straightforward Method ◽  
The Impact

Piezoelectric film sensors such as polyvinylidene flouride (PVDF) generate an electrical voltage in response to an applied mechanical stress with a remarkably high sensitivity. They provide very fast response times and do not require extensive signal conditioning. This paper presents a straightforward method of measuring the speed of sound in solid materials and structures using commercial PVDF sensors. PVDF sensors are most commonly used to measure stresses applied in the sensors’ thickness direction. However, this requires that the sensors be located in the load path, which may result in damage to the sensor or affect the response of the system. In this paper, two PVDF sensors are bonded to the side of a structure and a small impact is applied to one end. The sensors are used to measure the time for the impact-induced plane stress wave to travel between the sensors. The observed speed of the propagating stress wave is shown to be in good agreement with the theoretical speed of sound for the material and finite element calculations. In addition, the finite element simulations confirm the validity of the plane wave assumption for non-ideal and non-uniform impact inputs.

scholarly journals Recent Progress in Microfiber-Optic Sensors

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-68
Author(s):  
Wei Luo ◽  
Ye Chen ◽  
Fei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Optics ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Compact Size ◽  
Optical Microfiber

AbstractRecently, microfiber-optic sensors with high sensitivity, fast response times, and a compact size have become an area of interest that integrates fiber optics and nanotechnology. Distinct advantages of optical microfiber, such as large accessible evanescent fields and convenient configurability, provide attractive benefits for micro- and nano-scale optical sensing. Here, we review the basic principles of microfiber-optic sensors based on a broad range of microstructures, nanostructures, and functional materials. We also introduce the recent progress and state-of-the-art in this field and discuss the limitations and opportunities for future development.

Nanostructure of semiconductor quantum dots in a borosilicate glass matrix by complementary use of HREM and AEM

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 728-729
Author(s):  
M.J. Kim ◽  
L.C. Liu ◽  
S.H. Risbud ◽  
R.W. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Borosilicate Glass ◽  
Glass Matrix ◽  
Optical Switching ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Processing Technique ◽  
Internal Stresses ◽  
Electron Hole ◽  
Spatial Dimensions

When the size of a semiconductor is reduced by an appropriate materials processing technique to a dimension less than about twice the radius of an exciton in the bulk crystal, the band like structure of the semiconductor gives way to discrete molecular orbital electronic states. Clusters of semiconductors in a size regime lower than 2R {where R is the exciton Bohr radius; e.g. 3 nm for CdS and 7.3 nm for CdTe) are called Quantum Dots (QD) because they confine optically excited electron- hole pairs (excitons) in all three spatial dimensions. Structures based on QD are of great interest because of fast response times and non-linearity in optical switching applications.In this paper we report the first HREM analysis of the size and structure of CdTe and CdS QD formed by precipitation from a modified borosilicate glass matrix. The glass melts were quenched by pouring on brass plates, and then annealed to relieve internal stresses. QD precipitate particles were formed during subsequent "striking" heat treatments above the glass crystallization temperature, which was determined by differential thermal analysis.

Compact and efficient gas diffusion electrodes based on nanoporous alumina membranes for microfuel cells and gas sensors

The Analyst ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda V. Fernandez ◽  
Rocío T. Tosello ◽  
José L. Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Hydrogen Oxidation ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Limiting Current ◽  
Gas Diffusion Electrodes ◽  
Nanoporous Alumina ◽  
Alumina Membranes ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Microfuel Cells

Gas diffusion electrodes based on nanoporous alumina membranes electrocatalyze hydrogen oxidation at high diffusion-limiting current densities with fast response times.

Hybrid Micro-Optical Sensors via Sol-Gel Soft Lithography

2000 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Clarner ◽  
Michael J. Lochhead
Keyword(s):  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Silica Gels ◽  
Ph Sensing ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Sensor Applications ◽  
Patterned Structures ◽  
Biological Functionality ◽  
Indicator Dyes

ABSTRACTOrganically modified silica gels and dye-doped silica gels have been patterned into micrometer-scale structures on a substrate using micro molding in capillaries (MIMIC). This approach is from a class of elastomeric stamping and molding techniques collectively known as soft lithography. Soft lithography and sol-gel processing share attractive features in that they are relatively benign processes performed at ambient conditions, which makes both techniques compatible with a wide variety of organic molecules, molecular assemblies, and biomolecules. The combination of sol-gel and soft lithography, therefore, holds enormous promise as a tool for microfabrication of materials with optical, chemical, or biological functionality that are not readily patterned with conventional methods. This paper describes our investigation of micro-patterned organic-inorganic hybrid materials containing indicator dyes for microfluidic sensor applications. Reversible colorimetric pH sensing via entrapped reagents is demonstrated in a prototype microfluidic sensor element. Patterned structures range from one to tens of micrometers in cross-section and are up to centimeters in length. Fundamental chemical processing issues associated with mold filling, cracking and sensor stability are discussed.

scholarly journals Tin Disulfide-Coated Microfiber for Humidity Sensing with Fast Response and High Sensitivity

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 648
Author(s):  
Aijie Liang ◽  
Jingyuan Ming ◽  
Wenguo Zhu ◽  
Heyuan Guan ◽  
Xinyang Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humidity Sensor ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Large Change ◽  
Small Variation ◽  
Response Speed ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Tin Disulfide ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Response And Recovery

Breath monitoring is significant in assessing human body conditions, such as cardiac and pulmonary symptoms. Optical fiber-based sensors have attracted much attention since they are immune to electromagnetic radiation, thus are safe for patients. Here, a microfiber (MF) humidity sensor is fabricated by coating tin disulfide (SnS2) nanosheets onto the surface of MF. The small diameter (~8 μm) and the long length (~5 mm) of the MF promise strong interaction between guiding light and SnS2. Thus, a small variation in the relative humidity (RH) will lead to a large change in optical transmitted power. A high RH sensitivity of 0.57 dB/%RH is therefore achieved. The response and recovery times are estimated to be 0.08 and 0.28 s, respectively. The high sensitivity and fast response speed enable our SnS2-MF sensor to monitor human breath in real time.

scholarly journals A Full-Range Flexible and Printed Humidity Sensor Based on a Solution-Processed P(VDF-TrFE)/Graphene-Flower Composite

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1915
Author(s):  
Shenawar Ali Khan ◽  
Muhammad Saqib ◽  
Muhammad Muqeet Rehman ◽  
Hafiz Mohammad Mutee Ur Rehman ◽  
Sheik Abdur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Layer ◽  
Humidity Sensor ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Full Range ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Considerable Change ◽  
Relative Humidity Range ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Proportional Relationship

A novel composite based on a polymer (P(VDF-TrFE)) and a two-dimensional material (graphene flower) was proposed as the active layer of an interdigitated electrode (IDEs) based humidity sensor. Silver (Ag) IDEs were screen printed on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate followed by spin coating the active layer of P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene flower on its surface. It was observed that this sensor responds to a wide relative humidity range (RH%) of 8–98% with a fast response and recovery time of 0.8 s and 2.5 s for the capacitance, respectively. The fabricated sensor displayed an inversely proportional response between capacitance and RH%, while a directly proportional relationship was observed between its impedance and RH%. P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene flower-based flexible humidity sensor exhibited high sensitivity with an average change of capacitance as 0.0558 pF/RH%. Stability of obtained results was monitored for two weeks without any considerable change in the original values, signifying its high reliability. Various chemical, morphological, and electrical characterizations were performed to comprehensively study the humidity-sensing behavior of this advanced composite. The fabricated sensor was successfully used for the applications of health monitoring and measuring the water content in the environment.

scholarly journals FEM Simulation of Frequency-Selective Surface Based on Thermoelectric Bi-Sb Thin Films for THz Detection

Photonics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Tukmakova ◽  
Ivan Tkhorzhevskiy ◽  
Artyom Sedinin ◽  
Aleksei Asach ◽  
Anna Novotelnova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Fem Simulation ◽  
Film Surface ◽  
Frequency Selective Surface ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Radiation Absorption ◽  
Thz Radiation ◽  
Frequency Filter ◽  
Frequency Selective

Terahertz (THz) filters and detectors can find a wide application in such fields as: sensing, imaging, security systems, medicine, wireless connection, and detection of substances. Thermoelectric materials are promising basis for THz detectors’ development due to their sensitivity to the THz radiation, possibility to be heated under the THz radiation and produce voltage due to Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric thin films of Bi-Sb solid solutions are semimetals/semiconductors with the band gap comparable with THz energy and with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency at room temperature. Detecting film surface can be transformed into a periodic frequency selective surface (FSS) that can operate as a frequency filter and increases the absorption of THz radiation. We report for the first time about the simulation of THz detector based on thermoelectric Bi-Sb thin-filmed frequency-selective surface. We show that such structure can be both detector and frequency filter. Moreover, it was shown that FSS design increases not only a heating due to absorption but a temperature gradient in Bi-Sb film by two orders of magnitude in comparison with continuous films. Local temperature gradients can reach the values of the order of 100 K·mm−1. That opens new perspectives for thin-filmed thermoelectric detectors’ efficiency increase. Temperature difference formed due to THz radiation absorption can reach values on the order of 1 degree. Frequency-transient calculations show the power dependence of film temperature on time with characteristic saturation at times around several ms. That points to the perspective of reaching fast response times on such structures.

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