Analytical Chemistry Commons^™

Utilizing Nanostructures And Nano-Mechanics For Sensitive Analyte Detection Via Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (Sers) And Micro-Cantilever Sensing Platforms, Ryan Andrew Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to present the effective utilization of nano-structures and nano-mechanics in conjunction with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and micro-cantilever (MC) mechanical sensors for sensitive analytical detection. One of the most important attributes an Analytical Chemist can possess is the ability to develop and efficiently use the tools provided to obtain precise and accurate information that can be effectively communicated. The following is a brief outline of the background concepts and studies that will be present herein.

A discussion of SERS will be presented in which the history and concepts behind the technique will be …

Surface Structuring Strategies For Micro-Cantilever Sensing Platforms And Applications For Hydrogen Related Issues, James F. Patton

Doctoral Dissertations

Recent developments in microelectro-mechanical systems have enabled the exploration of transduction modes that involve mechanical energy and are based primarily on mechanical phenomena. As a result an innovative family of chemical and biological sensors has emerged which utilize a transducer in the form of microcantilevers (MCs). MCs offer greater sensitivity than comparable mass-responding sensors due in large part to their small dimension. These low cost devices can be deployed for remote testing, providing real-time information for the analyst. An additional advantage is the ability to employ MCs in an arrayed fashion adding a unique selectivity not available to many sensing …