Reference #: 00645
Invention Description:
This invention is a novel sensor based on electromechanical principles using a resonant microcantilever. It can be used for detecting volatile chemicals, toxic gases, and bio-agents. The technology is based on a highly economical film deposition technique on a substrate (as opposed to the cantilever that is normally used) to create a surface that is highly sensitive and selective to various target gases.
Potential Applications:
This invention will be used for toxic gas sensing, pollution control, bio-hazard detection, and counter terrorism/homeland security.
Advantages and Benefits:
This technology utilizes highly sensitive microcantilever resonator sensors based on surface potential changes and applies the sensing methodology to detect ultra-low concentration of gases. This method is fundamentally more sensitive but less expensive than the traditional methods of detection currently in use.
Development/Demonstration/Validation:
This technology has been tested in USC laboratories, and the fundamental concepts have been verified (8 ppm hydrogen, and sub ppm NO2 has already been demonstrated with response times in the order of seconds). Further tests are being carried out and also being planned to unleash the full potential of this novel technology.