Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sensors: A Novel Lateral Field Excited Acoustic Wave Sensor For Chemical And Biological Agents, John F. Vetelino, David Frankel, Carl Tripp, Paul J. Millard

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Sensors for the sensitive and selective detection of chemical agents and a biological agent are being developed. The sensor structure consists of a piezoelectric platform that is coated with a film that selectively sorbs a chemical or biological agent of interest. The sensitivity of the sensor is embodied in the sensor platform, which consists of a quartz crystal that is excited by a lateral electric field. The exciting electrodes are placed opposite to the sensing surface, and the sensing film is attached directly to the sensor platform. This arrangement is in contrast to the standard quartz microbalance (QCM), where the …