Study of Subsurface Acoustic Waves for Liquid Chemical Microsensor Applications

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There exists a need for dependable, rapid, high performance microsensors capable of performing in a liquid environment and capable of detecting change in liquid properties such as density, viscosity and change in molecular composition. Microwave acoustic wave technology offers one of the most attractive methods to realize these types of microsensors. Shear horizontal type waves excited by interdigital transducers (IDT) such as the Bleustein-Gulyaev (BG) wave, or the surface skimming bulk wave (SSBW) or plate modes appear suitable for liquid sensor applications. This research will include in-depth theoretical and experimental studies of acoustic wave liquid-phase-based chemical sensors. The analysis will provide design equations to realize a new class of inexpensive, sensitive and rapid detectors. Prototype sensors will be implemented with or without selective, sensitivity enhancement film coatings. The various chemical systems which will be studied include crystals (C-6 and C-12 sugars, polysaccharides) dissolved in aqueous solution, ligand with metal ion, dilute concentration of metal and acid/base titration. A complete evaluation of the sensor effectiveness such as detection limits, sensitivity, reproducibility and response time will be made.