Theoretical study on the sensitivity of dynamic acoustic force measurement through monomodal and bimodal excitations of rectangular micro-cantilever

We present a detailed analysis on measurement sensitivity of dynamic acoustic forces via numerical simulation of the micro-cantilever responses. The rectangular micro-cantilever is regarded as a point mass in the dynamic model of forced and damped harmonic oscillator. We use single- and bimodal-frequency excitation schemes for actuation of the micro-cantilever in the presence of dynamic acoustic forces. In bimodal-frequency excitation scheme, the micro-cantilever is excited at its first two eigenmode frequencies simultaneously as opposed to single-frequency excitation. First, we numerically obtain micro-cantilever deflections by solving the Equations of Motions (EOMs) constructed for the first two eigenmodes. Then, we determine oscillation amplitude and phase shift as a function of acoustic force strength within different frequency regions. Moreover, we relate amplitude and phase shift to virial and energy dissipation in order to explore the interaction between flexural modes in multifrequency excitation. The simulation results point out that bimodal-frequency excitation improves the measurement sensitivity of dynamic acoustic forces at particular frequencies. Herein, simultaneous application of driving forces enables higher sensitivities of observables and energy quantities as acoustic force frequencies become around the eigenmode frequencies. For our case, we obtain the highest phase shift (approximately 178 degrees) for the acoustic force strength of 100 pN at the frequency of around 307.2 kHz. Therefore, this method can be easily adapted to improve measurement sensitivity of dynamic acoustic forces in a wider frequency window.

Virial and Energy Dissipation in Measurement of Dynamic Acoustic Forces Using Bimodal-frequency Excitation of Micro-cantilever Array

Virial and energy dissipation, related to oscillation observable responses, possess complementary information regarding acoustic force measurements. In this paper, we introduce a mathematical framework describing the analytic relationship between oscillation observables and energy quantities at the second eigenmode in the measurement of dynamic acoustic forces. We utilize a bimodal-frequency excitation scheme for actuation of the micro-cantilever array to obtain high-sensitivity frequency bands. Herein, we analyze the virials of acoustic force interaction and the energy dissipation levels on the domain of acoustic force frequency. For our case, we obtain the high-frequency bands of around 200-270 kHz and 440-570 kHz for the force strengths in the range of 4.0-36.0 pN. In addition, results of virials and dissipated power with respect to acoustic force strengths are introduced for low- and high-sensitivity frequency regions. Therefore, the energy quantities can be robustly utilized to determine high-sensitivity frequency windows in the measurement of dynamic acoustic forces.

Surface Modification Enabling Reproducible Cantilever Functionalization for Industrial Gas Sensors

Micro-cantilever sensors are a known reliable tool for gas sensing in industrial applications. We have demonstrated the application of cantilever sensors on the detection of a meat freshness volatile biomarker (cadaverine), for determination of meat and fish precise expiration dates. For achieving correct target selectivity, the cantilevers need to be functionalized with a cadaverine-selective binder, based on a cyclam-derivative. Cantilever surface properties such as surface energy strongly influence the binder morphology and material clustering and, therefore, target binding. In this paper, we explore how chemical and physical surface treatments influence cantilever surface, binder morphology/clustering and binding capabilities. Sensor measurements with non-controlled surface properties are presented, followed by investigations on the binder morphology versus surface energy and cadaverine capture. We demonstrated a method for hindering binder crystallization on functionalized surfaces, leading to reproducible target capture. The results show that cantilever surface treatment is a promising method for achieving a high degree of functionalization reproducibility for industrial cantilever sensors, by controlling binder morphology and uniformity.