A Surface Acoustic Wave Gas Detector,

Abstract

Experimental results are presented on a new type of gas detector employing surface acoustic waves (SAW's). The SAW piezoelectric gas detector (SAWPG) consists of twin SAW delay lines fabricated on a single piezoelectric substrate each connected in an oscillator configuration. The propagation path of one delay line oscillator is coated with a selectively sorbent film, while the other is uncoated and used as a stable reference. Changes in phase delay resulting from mass loading or stress effects induced by gases sorbed on the delay line containing the film result in corresponding frequency shifts relative to the reference oscillator that are proportional to gas concentration. Since SAW energy is concentrated near the film, the detector is found to be highly sensitive. Further, the SAWPC offers the means to detect any gas given the corresponding selectively sorbent film.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADP001534

Entities

People

  • A. Bryant
  • D. L. Lee
  • J. F. Vetelino
  • M. Poirier

Organizations

  • University of Maine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Waves
  • Delay Lines
  • Detectors
  • Doppler Effect
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Shift
  • Gas Detectors
  • Oscillators
  • Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
  • Surface Acoustic Waves
  • Warning Systems
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Microwave Engineering.