Enhanced sensitivity volatile detection with low power integrated micromechanical resonators.

Karabacak, Devrez M; Brongersma, Sywert H; Crego-Calama, Mercedes · Lab Chip · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Very high aspect (length/thickness) ratio doubly clamped beams with integrated piezoelectric transducers are demonstrated for low power sensing of volatiles. The described approach allows for high yield fabrication of a dense array of suspended resonators that can be individually functionalized. Upon polymer coating, the resonators become highly sensitive to absorption of volatile compounds, allowing for detection at ppm-level concentrations of low-molecular weight analytes. The determined sensitivity enhancement is due to the significant contribution of vapor absorption-induced polymer swelling that results in axial stress formation in length restricted high aspect ratio beams.