Abstract: A particle detector includes at least one throttling element which defines an aerodynamic aperture. A light source illuminates a region of the aerodynamic aperture at about a focal point of an aerodynamic lens. A detector is configured to receive a light scattered from one or more particles which traverse the aerodynamic aperture. A method for detecting and measuring particles previously deposited on a surface of a semiconductor manufacturing chamber is also described.

Abstract: A plasma generation device for generating a plasma comprises a support having a first side and an opposing second side. The support is comprised of a ceramic matrix and a split-ring conductor is embedded in the ceramic matrix. A hermetically sealed via extends from the split-ring conductor to the second side of the support and connects to an electrical supply. A ground plane is formed on the second side of the support. A plasma is generated proximate to the first side of the support, and the support seals to a wall of the chamber such that the first side is exposed to the one or more gases inside the chamber and the second side is isolated from the plasma and the one or more gases inside of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a surface to liberate at least one analyte for detection thereof includes a source of energy to irradiate the surface and a collector to collect at least one gas from the surface, the at least one gas being capable of including the a least one liberated analyte. The apparatus further includes a detector linked to the collector to detect the presence of the at least one liberated analyte wherein the detection is used to control the power of the energy source by utilizing feedback relating to at least one condition of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a surface to liberate at least one analyte for detection thereof includes a source of energy to irradiate the surface and a collector to collect at least one gas from the surface, the at least one gas being capable of including the a least one liberated analyte. The apparatus further includes a detector linked to the collector to detect the presence of the at least one liberated analyte wherein the detection is used to control the power of the energy source by utilizing feedback relating to at least one condition of the surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems and sensor arrays are provided implementing techniques for detecting an analyte in a fluid. The techniques include providing a sensor array including at least a first sensor and a second sensor in an arrangement having a defined fluid flow path, exposing the sensor array to a fluid including an analyte by introducing the fluid along the fluid flow path, measuring a response for the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the fluid based on a spatio-temporal difference between the responses for the first and second sensors.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.