Abstract: This invention relates to a system for exciting oscillations of micromechanical cantilever sensors and for measuring and evaluating the corresponding oscillations. Such sensors can e.g. be used to detect chemical substances, biomolecules, microorganisms or viruses, or to analyze surface-related phenomena and processes such as conformational changes or phase transitions in thin layers, or to measure physical properties of their surrounding, such as viscoelastic properties of liquids. In the so-called dynamic operation mode, cantilever oscillations are excited and the frequency shift of the ground frequency and/or of one or some higher harmonics, occurring because of a process taking place at the cantilever surface, are measured. In the so-called static mode, the deflection of the cantilever is determined. The setup described in this invention allows measurements in gases as well as liquids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for exciting oscillations of micromechanical cantilever sensors and for measuring and evaluating the corresponding oscillations. Such sensors can e.g. be used to detect chemical substances, biomolecules, microorganisms or viruses, or to analyze surface-related phenomena and processes such as conformational changes or phase transitions in thin layers, or to measure physical properties of their surrounding, such as viscoelastic properties of liquids. In the so-called dynamic operation mode, cantilever oscillations are excited and the frequency shift of the ground frequency and/or of one or some higher harmonics, occurring because of a process taking place at the cantilever surface, are measured. In the so-called static mode, the deflection of the cantilever is determined. The setup described in this invention allows measurements in gases as well as liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fast detection of microorganisms, i.e. of bacteria, fungi, cells and other organisms, making use of methods and apparatuses coming from nanotechnology. According to the present invention, such organisms are detected using micromechanical sensor means known from many physical and chemical applications. One or more micromechanical cantilever sensors are either coated with a nutritive medium or at least partially built from a nutritive medium. By depositing a microorganism on the cantilever surface, preferably in a targeted way and in a controlled dosage, a “biological reaction” is started. This reaction results in a change of the mechanical and/or electrical properties of the sensor, i.e. the cantilever. These changes are determined, preferably at certain points in time, and thus allow the detection and detailed observation of the applied microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fast detection of microorganisms, i.e. of bacteria, fungi, cells and other organisms, making use of methods and apparatuses coming from nanotechnology. According to the present invention, such organisms are detected using micromechanical sensor means known from many physical and chemical applications. One or more micromechanical cantilever sensors are either coated with a nutritive medium or at least partially built from a nutritive medium. By depositing a microorganism on the cantilever surface, preferably in a targeted way and in a controlled dosage, a “biological reaction” is started. This reaction results in a change of the mechanical and/or electrical properties of the sensor, i.e. the cantilever. These changes are determined, preferably at certain points in time, and thus allow the detection and detailed observation of the applied microorganism.