Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a driving controller, and a readout circuit. The display panel includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes a first pixel set. The second part includes a first sensor set. The driving controller controls the first pixel set to emit first light when controlling the first sensor set to receive second light. The first sensor set generates a sensing signal using the second light. The readout circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the driving controller and the first sensor set and receives the sensing signal. The display device calculates a dust concentration using the sensing signal.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an optical detector includes installing a calibration system within at least one sensing volume of the optical detector, filling a chamber of the calibration system with a material to achieve a known obscuration, and measuring an obscuration of the material within the chamber.

Abstract: An amplifier includes an amplification circuit including an input circuit receiving an input signal and configured to output an output signal by amplifying the input signal; and an offset cancelling circuit configured to cancel offset by controlling the input circuit according to activation control signal and offset control signal, wherein the offset cancelling circuit cancels the offset according to the offset control signal after the activation control signal is activated.

Abstract: In an analysis of a fluid component using a nanomechanical sensor covered with a receptor, the same receptor is caused to express different response characteristics. In a measuring system of analyzing a response when a sample gas and a purge gas are supplied to a nanomechanical sensor while switching the sample gas and the purge gas, a gas (external gas) different from both gases is mixed into a gas channel and supplied to the sensor for measurement. Since a response characteristic of a receptor is modulated by mixing of the external gas, the object described above is achieved.

Abstract: A differential emissivity imaging device for measuring evaporable particle properties can include a heated plate, a thermal camera, a memory device, and an output interface. The heated plate can have an upper surface oriented to receive falling evaporable particles. The evaporable particles have a particle emissivity and the upper surface has a plate surface emissivity. The thermal camera can be oriented to produce a thermal image of the upper surface. A memory device can include instructions that cause the imaging device to calculate a mass of the individual evaporable particle via heat conduction using a calculated surface area and an evaporation time.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, and the like, for a fabrication of a particulate matter (PM) sensor that utilizes a capacitance sensor to detect sub-micrometer and nanoparticles in the respirable range of an environment. In one implementation, the capacitance sensor may comprise interdigitated electrodes between which a capacitance may be measured. PM deposited on the sensor may cause the capacitance between the electrodes to be altered and such a change in capacitance may be measured by the PM sensor. This measurement of the change in capacitance of the interdigitated capacitance sensor may therefore be correlated to the presence of sub-micrometer and nanoparticles in an environment. In one particular implementation, the PM sensor may further include a micro-heater circuit, a readout circuit, and an interface connecting the readout circuit to the micro-heater/capacitance sensor of the PM sensor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a safety cabinet capable of controlling the purity during usage. In order to realize the object, the safety cabinet is configured to include an operation space including an operation stage; a front panel formed in a front surface of the operation space; an operation opening provided in a lower portion of the front panel; a suction port that is provided in the vicinity of the operation opening on a front side of the operation stage to lead downward; an air circulation path through which air suctioned from the suction port flows along a lower portion, a back surface, and an upper portion of the operation space; a particle counter; an operation space-air intake port provided in the operation space to take air into the particle counter; and an introduction pipe that introduces the air into the particle counter from the operation space-air intake port.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the particulate matter content of an aerosol includes an aerosol chamber configured to receive an aerosol, the particulate matter content of which should be analyzed, at least one ultrasonic generator configured to produce ultrasonic waves in the aerosol received in the aerosol chamber, an ultrasonic detector configured to detect ultrasonic waves produced by the at least one ultrasonic generator in the aerosol, and an evaluator having a data exchange communication link with the ultrasonic detector and configured to ascertain the matter content on the basis of signals output by the ultrasonic detector. The ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic detector are positioned relative to one another such that a path length to be traversed by ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic detector is less than 1 cm.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes: a number concentration measurement device configured to measure a number concentration of particles in a air; a humidity measurement device configured to measure a humidity of the air; and a air concentration measurement device configured to measure a concentration of a specific air in the air, wherein a mass concentration of the particles in the air is calculated based on a measured number concentration, a measured humidity, a measured concentration of the specific air, and a predetermined correlation between the number concentration, the humidity, and the concentration of the specific air, and the mass concentration of the particles in the air.

Abstract: Various embodiments of monitoring systems and methods are disclosed herein to monitor particulate accumulation within a bake chamber configured to thermally treat substrates, and determine when the bake chamber requires cleaning. Embodiments of the disclosed monitoring system may generally include one or more sensors to monitor particulate accumulation on one or more inside surfaces of a bake chamber and/or a bake chamber lid assembly, and a controller, which is coupled to receive a sensor output from the one or more sensors and configured to use the sensor output to determine when cleaning is needed. Various types of sensors including, but not limited to, optical sensors, and surface acoustic wave-based sensors may be used in the present disclosure to monitor particulate accumulation inside the bake chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-quality detection apparatus including a casing body including a bottom and a side wall, a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed horizontally above the bottom, a second PCB disposed horizontally in a first region above the first PCB, a CO2 sensor mounted on the second PCB, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor mounted in a second region on the first PCB that is closer to the side wall than the first region, a third PCB, which is disposed horizontally at a position spaced further upwards apart from the bottom than the first PCB and at least a portion of which is disposed in a third region that does not overlap the first PCB when the bottom is viewed from above, a fourth PCB disposed horizontally above the second PCB and the third PCB, and a dust sensor mounted on the fourth PCB.

Abstract: Failure detection apparatus for a particulate filter includes: a sensor having a particulate matter detection unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of accumulated PM, and a heater unit that heats the particulate matter detection unit; a regeneration control unit that causes the heater unit to heat the particulate matter detection unit to a regeneration temperature allowing the particulate matter to be burned off; a start detection unit that determines the start of the internal combustion engine; failure determination unit that determines whether exhaust gas contains water droplets while the engine is in operation; a heating control unit that causes the heater unit to heat the particulate matter detection unit to a first temperature allowing the accumulated particulate matter to remain and the moisture included in the particulate matter to be removed; and failure determination unit that determines whether the filter has failure based on a sensor output value.

Abstract: A cleanliness monitor, an evaluation system and a method. The cleanliness monitor may include: a first vacuum chamber, a second vacuum chamber, a molecule collector, a release unit, a mass spectrometer, a manipulator that may be configured to move the molecule collector from the first position to the second position, and an analyzer. The mass spectrometer may have a line of sight to an inner space of the second vacuum chamber. The mass spectrometer may be configured to monitor the inner space of the second vacuum chamber and to generate detection signals that are indicative of a content of the inner space of the second vacuum chamber. A first subset of the detection signals may be indicative of a presence of the at least subset of released organic molecules. The analyzer may be configured to determine, based on the detection signals, the cleanliness of at least one out of (a) the first vacuum chamber, and (b) a tested vacuum chamber. The tested vacuum chamber is fluidly coupled to the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A process dilutes an aerosol by feeding an input aerosol through an inlet pipe surrounded by an annular space to a first mixing stage. An output aerosol leaves purified via an outlet as a particle-free clean gas. The particle-free clean gas is fed to the annular space upstream of the outlet and is mixed with the aerosol. A mixing stage includes an inlet pipe feeding aerosol as inlet aerosol. A downstream purification device purifies outlet aerosol leaving the mixing stage via an outlet pipe to form the particle-free clean gas. A mass flow controller and a pump suction off the outlet aerosol from the outlet pipe. A return line, for the clean gas, leads upstream into the annular space.

Abstract: A gas detecting device includes a main body, a gas sensing module, a particulate measuring module and a control module. A chamber is formed within the main body. The main body has a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The gas sensing module includes a compartment body, a carrying plate, a sensor and an actuator. The actuator introduces ambient gas into the gas sensing module through the first inlet, and the gas is measured by the sensor and discharged from the outlet of the compartment body. The particulate measuring module is disposed within the chamber of the main body and includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a particulate detector. The gas is introduced into the particulate measuring module through the inlet channel, and a concentration of particulates in the gas is measured by the particulate detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a sensor for a high-temperature environment. The method comprises the steps of: depositing an electrically insulating material (108) to form at least one portion of a layer (112); depositing an electrically conductive material (110) to form at least one further portion of the layer (112); depositing successive layers (112), each layer being formed of the electrically insulating material (108) and/or the electrically conductive material (110), wherein the electrically conductive material (110) in each layer is deposited on at least a portion of the electrically conductive material (110) in the previous layer so as to form at least one electrically continuous portion extending through the layers; and fusing the materials.

Abstract: A continuous gas detection and monitoring apparatus includes a gas detection and monitoring unit mounted in a sealable case, and a gas sensor in sealed fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere outside the case, a temperature and humidity sensor in sealed fluid communication with the inner volume of the case, a pressure sensor, data storage, and a gas sensor operatively connected to a data processor, and an externally operable switch for selectively connecting the data processor to the data storage to allow data transfer from the data storage to the data processor. A plumbing system includes a pump system, a solenoid system, and tubes interconnecting the gas sensor, pumping system, solenoid system, and ambient external environment. The gas sensor is mounted to the gas sensor housing and is in sealed fluid communication with the external environment via the plumbing system.

Abstract: In detecting a particulate matter (PM), which measures a change in capacitance depending on induction of the particulate matter, an apparatus for detecting a particulate matter includes: a power supply unit applying bias voltage for inducing the PM; a detection unit forming a magnetic field by using detected voltage applied from the bias voltage and generating PM resistance by the PM by inducing the PM to the magnetic field; and a measurement unit including a first capacitor and a second capacitor in series and measuring the changed capacitance of the first capacitor and the second capacitor according to a change in PM resistance by connecting any one capacitor to the detection unit in parallel. A method for detecting a particulate matter includes: applying bias voltage; generating PM resistance; and measuring changed capacitance according to a change in PM resistance by using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention intends to reduce the contamination level of an introduction path, miniaturize a circuit board, and improve measurement accuracy by adjusting the number of molecules of a measurement target component to flow into an analysis part, and includes: a detector for detecting the concentration of the measurement target component contained in fluid; an introduction path connected to the detector to introduce the fluid into the detector; and a flow rate switching mechanism adapted to, depending on the concentration of the measurement target component, switch the flow rate of the fluid to be introduced into the detector.

Abstract: An aerosol generator, in particular a soot generator. The aerosol generator includes a combustion chamber, in which fuel can be burned with an oxidizing agent in at least one soot-particle-creating flame, and a fluid feeding device for feeding fuel and an oxidizing agent into the combustion chamber. The fluid feeding device has at least three feed lines, the outlet-side end portions of which run parallel, so that at least three fluids of different types, in particular gases, can be introduced into the combustion chamber unmixed and in a parallel inflow direction.

Abstract: A chemical species mass flow meter measurement system for use in fluid mixture streams includes a chemical species concentration detection analyzer physically located within a fluid volume flow rate sensing probe along with bulk temperature and pressure sensing devices for relating to standard conditions. The system uses concentration detection analyzers specifically suited to the intended application. Applications include the measurement of exhaust mass emissions from vehicles, the fuel economy of vehicles, as well as the measurement of the mass flow rate of chemical species of interest in general industrial processes.

Abstract: Particulate measurement processing executed by a sensor control section of a particulate measurement system includes a step of stopping voltage conversion by a first isolation transformer and a second isolation transformer, a step of obtaining correction information B, and a step of correcting ion current A through use of the correction information B. The correction information B reflects improper current generated through particulates, etc. (soot or the like) adhering to a particulate sensor. The ion current A (signal current Iesc) is corrected through use of the correction information B, and the amount of soot S is computed through use of the corrected ion current A?. As a result, it is possible to measure the amount of the soot S (the amount of particulates) while suppressing the influence of the improper current.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include increasing an inlet opening of the particulate matter sensor when an exhaust flow rate falls below a threshold to allow more particulates to enter the particulate matter sensor and further includes decreasing the inlet opening when the exhaust flow rate rises above the threshold to reduce the particulates entering the sensor. By adjusting the amount of particulates entering the sensor based on the exhaust rate, the rate of deposition of the sensor and hence the sensitivity of the sensor to the exhaust flow rate may be maintained at a desired level, and independent of the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a sensor that comprises a heater is provided. The method includes the steps of applying a voltage to the heater and measuring the voltage applied to the heater and the current through the heater during a first time interval, and removing the applied voltage from the heater and leaving the heater unpowered for a second time interval. The method further includes the steps of calculating the resistance of the heater using the measured voltage and current, and determining the temperature of the sensor from the resistance using a predetermined relationship. The first time interval is selected to be sufficiently short in duration and the second time interval is selected to be sufficiently long so as to not significantly raise the temperature of the heater. The sensor temperature so determined can be used to perform diagnostic functions for a system that includes the sensor.

Abstract: In order to provide an exhaust gas sampling apparatus that makes it possible to simplify the entire system using a simple structure flow rate control mechanism having a small variable flow rate range as well as making the accuracy of an exhaust gas dilution ratio higher than before, the exhaust gas sampling apparatus is configured as an exhaust gas sampling apparatus that makes a multistage dilution. In addition, the exhaust gas sampling apparatus is configured to, given that a dilution ratio determined by an n-th diluter in a dilution flow path at an n-th stage as a final stage is R, make dilution ratios determined by diluters in dilution flow paths at the respective stages other than the n-th stage as the final stage substantially equal to (R+1).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated electrostatic sensor for detecting dust and/or other airborne particulates in an engine, e.g. in an aircraft gas turbine engine. The electrostatic sensor includes an outer housing having a sensing face, an electrode configured within the outer housing adjacent to the sensing face, and an amplifier configured with the electrode. The electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to move as charged dust particles flow past the sensing face. Thus, the amplifier is configured to detect a dust level as a function of the electron movement. The electrostatic sensor also includes a circuit board configured within the outer housing and electrically coupled to the amplifier. Thus, the circuit board is configured to send the one or more signals to a controller of the engine indicative of the dust level.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a first flow passage, a heating unit provided on one end side of the first flow passage, a gas detection unit provided on one end side of the first flow passage and capable of detecting a gas through heat applied from the heating unit, and a particle measurement unit which optically measures, at an upper side than the heating unit of the first flow passage, particles passing through the first flow passage.

Abstract: A measurement device includes: a mass measurer that measures a mass of particles in gas; a humidity changer that changes a humidity of atmosphere to which the particles are exposed; and a calculator that calculates information indicating a correlation of the mass with respect to the humidity.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided that may include a suction motor installed within a main body to generate a suction force, at least two conductive plates spaced apart from each other to form a flow path for external air introduced by the suction force, and a calculator to measure a capacitance value between the at least two conductive plates. Further, provided is a robot cleaner that may include a suction motor installed within a main body to generate a suction force, a porous structure having at least one through hole, through which external air introduced by the suction force may flow, at least one filter disposed on a surface of the porous structure to filter dust contained in the air, and a power supply configured to apply alternating current (AC) power to at least a portion of the surface of the porous structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette and a battery device thereof. The air switch includes a switch body and an airflow channel extending through the switch body. In present invention, because the airflow channel is disposed within the switch body of the air switch, it is better to design the size of the airflow channel which extending through the air switch, at the same time, fixing mechanism for mounting the air switch, such as pad or welding points can be arranged out of the airflow channel, to protect the air sucked into the second airflow channel from being polluted, thereby protecting the consumers' health.

Abstract: A heating installation or cooling installation mixing device has a valve housing (14) including a first flow path from a first connection (A-B) to a second connection (A), and a second flow path from the first connection (A-B) to a third connection (B). A movable valve element (24), arranged inside the valve housing (14) in the flow paths, is configured to vary a ratio of cross sections of the flow paths. A valve element drive (36) is arranged on the valve housing (14) and includes an internal control device (38) for movement control of the drive (36) and includes a first communication interface (44) for external control device (40) communication and a second communication interface (46). An internal sensor (48, 50) is arranged in or on the valve housing (14) and is connected to the first communication interface (44) for transmitting a sensor signal to the external control device (40).

Abstract: A system and method including a processor coupled to the non-volatile memory and a non-transitory medium connected to the processor wherein the processor is configured to select one of a flight path between two points or a point of departure and frequency of departure in the flight path from the point for an aircraft, wherein the flight path has at least two phases and a flight along the flight path or a departure constitutes one cycle.

Abstract: A particle supply device according to one embodiment includes a housing and a particle supplier. The housing seals a space between a substrate carry-out port provided in a FOUP and a substrate carry-in port provided at a load port of a substrate processing device. A particle supplier supplies particles to an inside of the housing.

Abstract: A raw material gas supply method for use in a film forming apparatus which forms a film on a substrate, includes supplying a carrier gas to a gas phase zone defined inside a raw material container accommodating a liquid or solid raw material, vaporizing the raw material, supplying a raw material gas containing the vaporized raw material from the raw material container to the film forming apparatus via a raw material gas supply path, measuring a flow rate of the vaporized raw material flowing through the raw material gas supply path, comparing the flow rate of the vaporized raw material obtained by the flow rate measurement unit with a predetermined target value, and controlling an internal pressure of the raw material container to be increased when the flow rate is higher than the predetermined target value, and to be decreased when the is lower than the predetermined target value.

Abstract: An instrument and method using electron spin resonance spectrometry for measuring the concentration of airborne soot particles, and the like, that includes continuously passing a sample of exhaust gas through a resonating RF microwave cavity resonator during the application therethrough of a uniform slowly varying uniform magnetic field that is rapidly modulated and measuring the resulting phase modulation or amplitude modulation thereof to derive an electron spin resonance signal that directly senses the concentration of carbon free radicals produced as a result of inefficient combustion of hydrocarbons during operation of the vehicle or boiler. A further invention is the use of this signal for feedback control of the engine or boiler operating parameters to minimize or substantially eliminate particulate matter emissions.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring dust in flue gas of small-scale furnace installations for solid fuels includes: a measuring probe; a weighing device having a filter device; a heated suction hose connecting the measuring probe to the weighing device; and a weighing module in which the weighing device is arranged. The weighing device is thermally insulated in the weighing module.

Abstract: A personally portable nanoparticle respiratory deposition (NRD) sampler configured to collect nanoparticles based upon a sampling criterion. In an aspect, the NRD sampler has an impactor stage, and a diffusion stage. In another aspect, the NRD sampler includes a particle size separator in addition to an impactor stage and a diffusion stage.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having: a support, a plurality of nanowires perpendicular to the support, and an electrode in contact with a first end of each nanowire. Each nanowire has a second end in contact with the support. The electrode contains a plurality of perforations. The electrode contains a plurality of perforations. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing the above support and nanowires; depositing a layer of a filler material that covers a portion of each nanowire and leaves a first end of each nanowire exposed; depositing a plurality of nanoparticles onto the filler material; depositing an electrode material on the nanoparticles, the ends of the nanowires, and any exposed filler material; and removing the nanoparticles and filler material to form an electrode in contact with the first end of each nanowire; wherein the electrode contains a plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A sensing system and method for detecting particles in an air volume includes a main airflow path including an inlet from the air volume. Also included is a collection site within the main airflow path. The collection site is for drawing an air sample from the main airflow path. Additionally the system includes a means to induce a localized increase in particle speed at the collection site relative to air speed along the remainder of the main airflow path. The means to induce a localized increase includes an auxiliary airflow path from the main airflow path. The auxiliary airflow path has an exit upstream of the collection site. In an alternative form of the invention, the means to induce the localized increase in particle speed at the collection site comprises a venturi in the main airflow path with the collection site being disposed along the venturi.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimation of a soot load in a particle filter in an exhaust cleaning system, which estimation involves using a pressure drop across said particle filter in order to determine the soot load. Measurement of the pressure drop across the particle filter and therefore the estimation have to take place at a time when an exhaust mass flow of the exhaust cleaning system exceeds a flow threshold value, the particle filter is substantially free from water and a temperature of the particle filter exceeds a first threshold value. The result is a robust estimate of the soot load in the particle filter.

Abstract: A particulate detection system (1, 2, 3) detects the quantity of particulates S contained in exhaust gas EG discharged from an internal combustion engine ENG and flowing through an exhaust pipe EP. The system (1, 2, 3) includes a detection section (10) attached to the exhaust pipe EP; and a drive processing circuit (201) electrically connected to the detection section (10), driving the detection section (10), and detecting and processing a signal Is from the detection section 10. The drive processing circuit (201) includes drive start delay means (S2, S3, S11, S12, S13, S22, S23) for delaying start of the drive of the detection section (10) until a start condition determined by the drive processing circuit (201) is satisfied after startup of the internal combustion engine ENG.

Abstract: A virtual impactor includes a jet nozzle that jets, from a jet outlet, a gas that contains particles, an opposing nozzle that is disposed with a specific separation distance from the jet nozzle and draws in, as a secondary flow, from a vacuum inlet at one end portion, a portion of the gas that is jetted from the jet nozzle, and a variable mechanism that varies at least one of a width of the jet outlet, the specific distance, and a width of the vacuum inlet.

Abstract: An exhaust gas analyzing system includes, on an upstream side of an analytical instrument, an exhaust gas introduction pipe of which one end is opened to an exhaust gas flow path through which exhaust gas from an engine flows and the other end is connected to the analytical instrument. A switching mechanism selectively switches between a sampling path that samples the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas introduction pipe to introduce the sampled exhaust gas into the analytical instrument and an air introduction path that introduces air into the analytical instrument. When the engine is operated, a path to the analytical instrument is switched to the sampling path by the switching mechanism. When the engine is stopped, the path is switched to the air introduction path by the switching mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting particles in a fluid stream, comprising: generating a measurement field that can be passed through by the fluid stream; acquiring and evaluating measurement values of the fluid stream passing through the measurement field, and detecting at least one particle by way of a distinctive sequence of measurement values. The invention is characterized in that each of the distinctive successions of measurement values is acquired and evaluated in order to determine if a particle or a gas bubble is passing through the measurement field.

Abstract: A particulate measurement system measures the amount of particulates when at least one or a plurality of three operating condition parameters selected from speed of the vehicle, rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and torque of the internal combustion engine fall within previously set respective ranges, and the particulate measurement system does not measure the amount of particulates or invalidates the result of measurement of the amount of particulates when the one or plurality of operating condition parameters do not fall within the previously set respective ranges.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller apparatus for regenerating a particulate matter sensor. The controller apparatus includes a sensing module configured to detect a soot loading on a particulate matter sensor and generate a regeneration request indicating a desired regeneration temperature and a heating module configured to receive the regeneration request and send a heating command signal to a heating element based on the regeneration request. The controller apparatus also includes an electrical resistance module configured to detect an electrical resistance in the heating element, a calibration module configured to determine an actual temperature of the heating element based on a resistance-to-temperature model, and a temperature feedback module configured to modify the heating command signal according to the difference between the desired regeneration temperature and the actual temperature.

Abstract: Electromechanical detection device, particularly for gravimetric detection, and method for manufacturing the device. The electromechanical detection device includes a support including a face defining a plane, at least one beam that can move relative to the support, and means of detecting beam displacement, outputting a signal that depends on the displacement. The beam is anchored to the support through an end and is approximately perpendicular to the plane, and the other end of the beam includes at least one reception zone that can receive one or several particles causing or modifying displacement of the beam, in order to determine at least one physical property of the particle(s) from the signal. According to the invention, the detection means are located between the reception zone and the support.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode at a predefined distance from one another. The sensor apparatus includes a substrate arranged in a predefined first region of the sensor carrier such that the first electrode and the second electrode are substantially electrically decoupled from one another if the outer side of the sensor carrier is substantially free of particles. A third electrode is coupled to a solid electrolyte that is additionally coupled to the second electrode. A diffusion barrier is coupled to the third electrode in a predefined third region and the exhaust gas is applied to the third electrode only in the third region via the diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine detects an amount of particulate matter contained in an exhaust gas in an exhaust passage, according to an electrical property across electrodes of a particulate matter sensor disposed in the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The term “electrical property” here refers to a property that changes with the amount of particulate matter deposited, for example, a current value of when a predetermined voltage is applied. After the internal combustion engine is started and detection of the amount of the particulate matter is completed, an element section of the particulate matter sensor is set to a predetermined temperature range. The particulate matter deposited on the element section is thereby burned and removed. The control apparatus maintains the element section in the predetermined temperature range after burning and removing the particulate matter until the internal combustion engine stops.