Abstract: Methods and apparatus allow for passive determination of a driver's Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC). Alcohol concentrations can be determined from exhaled breath, however inconvenience to a driver is often a barrier for incorporation of BrAC sensors into vehicles. The methods and apparatus allow for passive determination of a driver's BrAC, while detecting and accounting for a wide range of environmental conditions that may reduce the accuracy of a passive BrAC reading.

Abstract: A sensor system includes an electrical circuit having plural leads coupled with one or more sensing regions. The sensing regions include gaps having sensing materials that detect an analyte of interest. The gaps close responsive to the sensing material corresponding to the gaps detecting the analyte of interest. One or more processors communicatively coupled with the electrical circuit receive electrical signals from the electrical circuit indicative of the gaps closing responsive to the sensing material of the corresponding gaps detecting the analyte of interest. The electrical circuit is in a closed position in the presence of the analyte of interest. The sensor system is configured to consume an increased amount of power when the electrical circuit is in the closed position relative to the electrical circuit in an open position responsive to the one or more of the gaps closing. A responsive action is determined based on the electrical signals.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for ferroelectric-based field-effect transistors (FETs) with threshold voltage (VT) switching for enhanced RF switch transistor on-state and off-state performance. Employing a ferroelectric gate dielectric layer that can switch between two ferroelectric states enables a higher VT during the transistor off-state (VT,hi) and a lower VT during the transistor on-state (VT,lo). Accordingly, the transistor on-state resistance (Ron) can be maintained low due to the available relatively high gate overdrive (Vg,on?VT,lo) while still handling a relatively high maximum RF power in the transistor off-state due to the high VT,hi ?Vg,off value. Thus, the Ron of an RF switch transistor can be improved without sacrificing maximum RF power, and/or vice versa, the maximum RF power can be improved without sacrificing the Ron. A ferroelectric layer (e.g., including HfxZryO) can be formed between a transistor gate dielectric layer and gate electrode to achieve such benefits.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a resonant sensor having excellent sensitivity and selectivity with respect to a component to be detected that is contained at a low concentration in the system. A resonant sensor of the present invention has a receiving layer that contains a polymer having a repeating unit represented by Formula (1). In Formula, R1 represents an alkyl group. A plurality of R1's may be the same as or different from each other. R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group.

Abstract: Provided are a gas sensor, a gas detection device, a gas detection method and a device provided with the gas detection device, capable of improving gas detection performance. The gas detection device is provided with a gas sensor comprising a thermosensitive resistance element and a porous gas molecule adsorptive material thermally bonded to the thermosensitive resistance element that releases specified gas molecules due to heating and cooling, and a power supply control unit that heats and cools the thermosensitive resistance element by controlling the supply of power thereto. The gas detection method comprises a heating step for putting the porous gas molecule adsorptive material in a heated state and a detecting step for detecting a specific gas due to the temperature change in the thermosensitive resistance element by heating.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage metal is disposed on a base material in a predetermined shape and a predetermined size such that hydrogen is detected based on surface plasmon resonance induced by incident light. The hydrogen storage metal is formed of a film body containing palladium and a noble metal. A spectrum of the light having passed through the hydrogen storage metal in which hydrogen is stored has a peak in a wavelength band separated from an absorption spectrum C1 of carbon dioxide with respect to the light and an absorption spectra H1 to H3 of water with respect to the light.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a smell sensor for detecting smell in the refrigerator; a deodorizer for adsorbing, sterilizing, and deodorizing air in the refrigerator; and a controller for calculating smell values based on the detected smell at the smell sensor, changing a deodorizing mode according to the detected smell, and controlling the deodorizer.

Abstract: In gas chromatography (GC), a sample is introduced into a flow of carrier gas and the mixture is driven through a heated GC column to acquire chromatographic data from the sample. During this time, the column is heated from an initial temperature to a final temperature. Subsequently, the column is cooled according to a cooling program. The cooling program may include a first cooling ramp, a subsequent isothermal hold, and a subsequent second cooling ramp. Alternatively, while the column is cooled down the flow of carrier gas through the column may be slowed down or ceased for a period of time, after which the flow of carrier gas through the column may be resumed at the original flow rate in preparation for processing another sample. Controlling column temperature and/or flow in this manner may be effective for reducing column bleed carryover and/or the effects thereof.

Abstract: A carbon electrode having a functional moiety that forms a charge-transfer complex with a nitro-containing compound covalently attached to a surface of the electrode, and a process of preparing such an electrode are provided. Also provided are sensing systems integrating the carbon electrode and methods utilizing same for electrochemical detection of nitro-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bimetal-doped, metal oxide-based sensors and platforms and integrated chemical sensors incorporating the same, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A chemical substance concentrator includes a channel allowing a sample containing a chemical substance to flow in a flowing direction in the channel, and a cell wall partitioning the channel into adsorption cells. Each of adsorption cells includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cell wall apart from each other and an adsorption device that adsorbs the chemical substance. The adsorption device contains metal oxide. The absorption device is disposed at a position contacting the first electrode and the second electrode such that the first and second electrodes are electrically connected via the adsorption device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sample injection apparatus for gas chromatography analysis comprising: a gas collecting tube for collecting the gas inside a cell and regulating it with an open/close valve to discharge a portion of the collected gas as a gas sample; a gas sampling loop for collecting the gas sample injected into a gas chromatograph; a first switching valve for regulating an injection of the gas sample filled in the gas sampling loop into the column of the chromatography with a carrier gas; a second switching valve connected to the gas collection tube and for regulating a diffusion of the gas sample into the gas sampling loop; and a vacuum pump for vacuum-depressurizing the gas sampling loop, and an injection method using the same.

Abstract: Devices and techniques related to landfill gas extraction are disclosed. A technique for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill through a gas extraction system is described. The method may include measuring a plurality of values indicating conditions associated with the landfill; computing, based at least in part on the plurality of values and on a model of the landfill, a predicted future state of the landfill; determining, based at least in part on the predicted future state of the landfill, one or more control parameters for one or more respective control devices configured to control operation of the gas extraction system; applying the one or more control parameters to the one or more respective control, and with the one or more control devices, controlling extraction of the landfill gas from the landfill based, at least in part, on the one or more respective control parameters.

Abstract: A compact explosive detecting system collects explosive residues in the form of vapor powder. The residues are accumulated on a desorber which is subjected to pyrolysis to release a gaseous sample. The sample is pumped to a detecting system through a metering valve. A luminol cell reacts with the gaseous sample to create chemiluminescence, the light output of which is measured by a photo multiplier tube. The light intensity is indicative of the amount of explosive present. Based on the amount of explosive present, a metering valve is adjusted to pass the gaseous sample into a highly sensitive metal oxide sensor array to detect NO2 from nitrogen containing explosive and CO/CO2 from non nitrogen containing explosive. The metal oxide sensor array reliably selects explosives from those compounds indicating chemiluminescence.

Abstract: A thin film gas sensor device includes a substrate, a first electrode supported by the substrate, a second electrode supported by the substrate, and a gas-sensitive structure. The gas-sensitive structure is supported by the substrate and is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The gas sensitive structure includes a plurality of thin film layers of a first material vertically interleaved with a plurality of thin film layers of a second material. The first and second materials are mutually catalytic materials.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a concentration measuring unit that measures a particle number concentration of a particle in gas; a humidity measuring unit that measures humidity of a surrounding to which the particle is exposed when the concentration measuring unit measures the particle number concentration; a first case in which the concentration measuring unit and the humidity measuring unit are accommodated, the first case having a first inlet and a first outlet; and a first exhausting unit that exhausts the gas in the first case from the first outlet; wherein the humidity measuring unit is disposed upstream of the concentration measuring unit in a flow path of the gas from the first inlet to the first outlet.

Abstract: A gas analysis system for analyzing dissolved gas in electrical insulating fluid includes a trap that selectively captures or releases one or more gases, a temperature control device for controlling a temperature of the trap that determining whether the trap is in a gas capture mode or a gas release mode, and a gas sensor for analyzing the gas that was not selectively captured by the trap. The trap may be heated to a first temperature that enables the gas to be adsorbed by the trap, and the trap may be heated to a second temperature that enables the gas to be desorbed by the trap. The gas analysis system may further include a gas flow diverter for directing gas flow past the trap. The captured or released gases may be interfering matrix gases. A method and analyzer for analyzing dissolved gas in an electrical insulating fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument reprocessor for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a medical instrument is disclosed. To reprocess instruments having one or more channels defined therein, the reprocessor can include one or more flow control systems configured to control a flow of fluid through each channel. In various embodiments, a flow control system can include a differential pressure sensor and a proportional valve for controlling the fluid flow in a channel. The reprocessor can also include, one, a fluid circulation pump which can be configured to supply the flow control systems with fluid and, two, a system for controlling the pressure of the fluid supplied to the flow control systems. The reprocessor can also include a system for supplying a metered amount of fluid to the fluid circulation system. The system can include a reservoir having a fluid height sensor to monitor the amount of fluid therein and a pump configured to supply the reservoir with fluid.

Abstract: An engine bleed air system of an aircraft, comprising a heat exchanger which comprises a rectangular core with a rectangular outlet section, a cylindrical outlet duct and a transition area between the rectangular outlet section of the rectangular core and the cylindrical outlet duct, and at least a downstream system, further comprising a flow deflector located at least in the cylindrical outlet duct, such that the outlet flow characteristics homogeneity are improved and a particular flow deflection and distribution of the outlet flow is achieved, avoiding the damage of the at least one downstream system. The invention also provides a method for homogenizing the temperature of the outlet flow of a heat exchanger outlet in an engine bleed air system of an aircraft.

Abstract: Infusion fluid is flowed through a fluid delivery line of an infusion system. Optical signals having different wavelengths are transmitted through the fluid delivery line. The transmitted optical signals having the different wavelengths are received. At least one processor determines whether air or infusion fluid is disposed in the fluid delivery line based on the received optical signals having the different wavelengths.

Abstract: An environmental control system (ECS) having contaminants in supply air that flows into an environment includes an outside air contaminant component that senses contaminants in outside air, wherein the outside air contaminant component is upstream of the environment, A recirculated air contaminant component is provided and that senses contaminants in recirculated air supplied by the environment, wherein the recirculated air contaminant component is downstream of the environment. A voltage supply provides a non-linear variable voltage to at least one of the components. A controller is in communication with the components and the voltage supply; wherein, upon a measured resistance, from at least one of the components, that exceeds a threshold, the controller varies at least one of an outside air flow and a recirculated air flow in the ECS.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for an end of service life indicator for a respirator are described herein. For example, a device can include a cartridge containing a filter material and an insert extending through at least a portion of the filter material having a first path with a first opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of a saturation of the filter material and a second path with a second opening configured to provide a filtered sample of the air throughout a service life of the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a highly selective, highly sensitive method and apparatus for detecting vapors from explosives at low concentrations such as 1 part in 1014. Airborne explosives vapors are selectively adsorbed on a spiral-wound platinum or platinum-coated ribbon of a preconcentrator cartridge while trapping of nitrogen oxides is avoided. The vapors are released and partially decomposed to liberate nitric oxide gas by flash-heating of the ribbon, these products may then be pyrolyzed if necessary to complete the liberation of nitric oxide gas, and then the liberated nitric oxide gas is detected, as by chemiluminescent detection. Also described are various systems incorporating the explosives vapor detector such as a walk-through portal, a vehicle sniffer, and a system incorporated into the air-handling apparatus of a building.

Abstract: A system for detecting low concentrations of specific chemical compounds in the air of an aircraft cabin. The system includes a cabin management system with a processing unit and a user interface and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is connected to the processing unit of the cabin management system such that data can be transmitted from the sensor to the processing unit. Each sensor is adapted to determine a presence of a first chemical compound in the air of an aircraft cabin and transmit data indicative of the determined presence to the processing unit. The processing unit is adapted to process data indicative of the presence of the first chemical compound received from a sensor of the plurality of sensors and to signal the presence of the first chemical compound to a user via the user interface.

Abstract: A diffusive sampling device (1) comprises a porous hollow diffusion body (3) removably held on a support body (2), an adsorbent body (4) located inside said diffusion body (3), wherein the hollow diffusion body (3) has a cylindrically shaped wall with an upper section comprising a closed upper end and a distal lower section comprising an open lower end and wherein the diffusion body (3) is held on the support body (2) by means of one or more o-rings (7) fixed to its lower section, wherein the adsorbent body (4) is kept in a predetermined place inside the upper section of the diffusion body (3) by way of an elastic means, such as a spring (6). The use of such devices as well as a method for air sampling and monitoring.

Abstract: An air separation system includes an air separation module configured to receive feed air and separate the feed air into nitrogen-enriched air and oxygen-enriched air, a nitrogen-enriched air line for transporting the nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module to a fuel tank for inerting, an oxygen sensing line connected to the nitrogen-enriched air line, a gas adsorption filter located in the oxygen sensing line, and an oxygen sensor downstream of the gas adsorption filter in the oxygen sensing line.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping status detection system and method for detecting a clamping state of a clamping device is provided. A clamping device having a clamping surface is configured to selectively clamp a workpiece to the clamping surface. The clamping device may be an electrostatic chuck or a mechanical clamp for selectively securing a semiconductor wafer thereto. A vibration-inducing mechanism is further provided, wherein the vibration-inducing mechanism is configured to selectively vibrate one or more of the clamping device and workpiece. A vibration-sensing mechanism is also provided, wherein the vibration-sensing mechanism is configured to detect the vibration of the one or more of the clamping device and workpiece. Detection of clamping status utilizes changes in acoustic properties, such as a shift of natural resonance frequency or acoustic impedance, to determine clamping condition of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first layer (512) configured to enable a flow of charge carriers from a source electrode (505) to a drain electrode (506); a second layer (513) configured to generate a voltage in response to a physical stimulus, the second layer (513) positioned so that the generated voltage can affect the conductance of the first layer (512); and a third layer (514) positioned between the first (512) and second (513) layers to prevent a flow of charge carriers therebetween. The third layer (514) comprises a material configured to form electric double-layers (516, 517) at the interfaces with the first (512) and second (513) layers in response to the generated voltage. The formation of the electric double-layers (516, 517) enhances the effect of the generated voltage on the conductance of the first layer (512) such that determination of the conductance of the first layer (512) can be used to allow the magnitude of the physical stimulus to be derived.

Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide sensor is disclosed. The hydrogen sulfide sensor includes a substrate, a pair of interdigitated electrodes supported by the substrate, and a nanocomposite based sensing layer deposited on the interdigitated electrodes and configured to interact with hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: An interchangeable sensor system is described, including: a microcantilever including a beam anchored at a first end, the beam being free to vibrate on another end, wherein a piezoelectric layer is deposited on a surface of the beam; an input configured to receive a voltage from a voltage source for applying voltage to the piezoelectric layer; and a resonating circuit including: the piezoelectric layer, configured as a capacitor of the resonant circuit; and one or more additional electrical elements; wherein the voltage source is configured to apply a first AC voltage under a first condition for actuating the microcantilever at a first mechanical resonating frequency of the microcantilever and a second AC voltage under a second condition for actuating the microcantilever at a second electrical resonating frequency of the resonating circuit. Method of using the sensor system is also described.

Abstract: In order to be able to prevent analysis accuracy from being reduced by a backward flow of sample gas from dead volume in a cleaning mechanism into a cell at the time of analysis, a gas analysis device has an analysis part that analyzes the sample gas introduced into the cell, gas ports that are arranged toward predetermined regions of gas contact surfaces in the cell, and a piping mechanism that connects the gas ports to a predetermined purge gas source, and blows purge gas from the gas ports toward the predetermined regions at the time of purging. The gas analysis device also has a switching part that switches a connecting destination of the piping mechanism from the purge gas source to a predetermined suction part, and at the time of introducing or analyzing the sample gas, connects the gas ports to the suction source.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide particles, size-reducing the crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide particles by grinding to produce crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanostructures, and coating the crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanostructures onto a substrate to produce a thin film. An electrochromic multi-layer stack is also provided.

Abstract: A miniature oxygen sensor makes use of paramagnetic properties of oxygen gas to provide a fast response time, low power consumption, improved accuracy and sensitivity, and superior durability. The miniature oxygen sensor disclosed maintains a sample of ambient air within a micro-channel formed in a semiconductor substrate. O2 molecules segregate in response to an applied magnetic field, thereby establishing a measurable Hall voltage. Oxygen present in the sample of ambient air can be deduced from a change in Hall voltage with variation in the applied magnetic field. The magnetic field can be applied either by an external magnet or by a thin film magnet integrated into a gas sensing cavity within the micro-channel. A differential sensor further includes a reference element containing an unmagnetized control sample. The miniature oxygen sensor is suitable for use as a real-time air quality monitor in consumer products such as smart phones.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor has at least a movable element designed to oscillate at an oscillation frequency, and an integrated measuring system coupled to the movable element to provide a measure of the oscillation frequency. The measuring system has a light source to emit a light beam towards the movable element and a light detector to receive the light beam reflected back from the movable element, including a semiconductor photodiode array. In particular, the light detector is an integrated photomultiplier having an array of single photon avalanche diodes.

Abstract: A particulate detection system (1) for detecting the quantity of particulates S in a gas under measurement EG, including a detection section (10), a drive circuit (210, 240), and a control section (230, 202). The detection section (10) has an ion source (11) and a particulate electrification section (12). The drive circuit (210) includes an ion source drive circuit (210) for performing constant current control. The control section (230, 202) includes current convergence determination means S2-S3, S5-S6, and detection start means S8 for starting detection of the quantity of the particulates S using the signal Is, detected by a detection circuit (230), after the gaseous discharge current Id has converged to an allowable range IR.

Abstract: Provided is a nanoporous cantilever including a substrate in a shape of a plate, a tip formed at a front end of the substrate, and a nanoporous structure formed on the tip. Due to the nanoporous structure including nanopores and nanochannels formed on the tip, the nanoporous cantilever greatly increases in detection sensitivity for a material to be detected when compared to a cantilever according to a related art, and may obtain a surface-enhanced Raman signal and thus achieve discrimination of a molecule to be detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor or a system comprising gold nanoparticles coated with specific organic coatings for diagnosing, staging or monitoring chronic kidney disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multisensor array for detection of analytes in the gas phase or in the liquid phase, comprising at least two different chemo-selective compounds represented by the general formula (I) wherein the hetero atoms X1-X4 and the substituents R1-R4 are defined in the specification and the dashed bonds represent independently of each other either a single bond or a double bond. Said chemo-selective compounds are capable of individually changing physicochemical properties when exposed to analytes or analyte mixtures and these changes can be detected by a transducer or an array of transducers. The present invention does also relate to the use of at least two different chemo-selective compounds in a sensor array, a method for preparation of such sensor arrays and the use of said sensor arrays. Furthermore the present invention relates to methods for detecting and identifying analytes or mixtures thereof in the gas phase or in the liquid phase.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer includes a substrate with a first cavity that passes through the substrate from a backside of the substrate. The MEMS transducer also includes a perforated first electrode plate overlying the first cavity on a topside of the substrate, a second electrode plate overlying the first cavity on the topside of the substrate and spaced apart from the perforated first electrode plate by a spacing region, and a gas sensitive material in the spacing region between the perforated first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The gas sensitive material has an electrical property that is dependent on a concentration of a target gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an analysis system intended to be able to perform a unit setting of values over multi-pieces of analysis-associated data easily and systematically every analysis device, and the analysis system is provided with an analysis device and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device includes: a unit series data storage part adapted to store multi-pieces of unit series data composed by specifying units to be respectively used for values of the multi-pieces of analysis-associated data given and received between the analysis device and the information processing device; a selection input receiving part adapted to receive a selection input of any of the multi-pieces of the unit series data stored in the unit series data storage part; and a data output part adapted to output each of the values of the analysis-associated data in the unit specified to the selected unit series data.

Abstract: A gas sensor, for example for use in air conditioning systems, has a gas-sensitive layer that includes a material that is sensitive to carbon dioxide. The material has a cross-sensitivity to air humidity. This is compensated for by measurement at two different temperatures. The measured gas values are calculated together, with the assumption that the sensitivity of the gas sensor to carbon dioxide exhibits a different curve with the temperature of the gas sensor than the sensitivity to water.

Abstract: The method for chemical vapor identification using swelling-based sensors uses an apparatus that having a first gas chamber including a gas inlet port for inletting a hydrocarbon vapor to be analyzed; a second gas chamber having a hydrocarbon vapor outlet port for exiting the vapor; a chemical sensor placed inside the first and the second gas chambers; and a thermometer placed inside the first and the second gas chambers for measuring the internal temperature; wherein the second gas chamber is placed at a lower temperature compared with the first chamber; and wherein the first gas chamber is in communication with the second chamber by a pipe for transmitting the hydrocarbon vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: An explosive detection apparatus capable of maintaining high availability even in an environment containing a large amount of foreign substances is achieved. The explosive detection apparatus includes means for sequentially replacing a plurality of collection thermal vaporization filters 2 for collecting, heating, vaporizing particles, which have been prepared in advance. The explosive detection apparatus also includes a preheating unit 52 for preheating an unused filter, and sealing is performed by a seal portion between the plurality of filters.

Abstract: An improved method of extraction, detection, and characterization of a vapor from an explosive, a taggant in an explosive, a controlled substance, a biohazard, and mixtures thereof uses a new and improved SPME device for extraction and ion mobility spectrometry for detection and characterization. The new and improved SPME device has an increased capacity to sorb a target vapor. The increased sorption of vapor provides for more accurate detection by an ion mobility spectrometer. A SPME device having increased surface area may be exposed to an atmosphere in an enclosure containing a test object or a volume of gas that was in contact with the test object to allow for sorption of the target vapor and then introduced into an IMS for more accurate detection and characterization of the vapor due to the increased sorption of the vapor by the SPME device described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method to quantitatively measure concentrations of volatile organic compound vapors below the ground surface using a preferably “fully” passive device that is placed in a drilled or bored hole for a specified period of time, wherein the sampler constrains the uptake rate to match values that minimize or eliminate the starvation effect and provide acceptable sensitivity for most soil types as calculated via mathematical models.

Abstract: A method is presented for calibrating a cantilever, such as a scanning probe microscope cantilever (SPM cantilever). The cantilever to be calibrated comprises at least a first and a second layer having a mutually different thermal expansion coefficient, the method comprising the steps of: controllably causing a temperature distribution along the cantilever, measuring a spatial state of the cantilever, computing a mechanical property from the observed spatial state caused by controllably changing the temperature. Also a calibration arrangement and a scanning probe microscope provided with the calibration arrangement are presented.

Abstract: A disseminated vapor capture device for challenging a gas sampling apparatus with a vapor stream, includes an inlet being adapted for connection to a vapor generating apparatus producing a vapor stream containing target particles or analytes, an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber in communication with the inlet, the inner chamber being adapted for passing the vapor stream therethrough, an outlet being adapted for connection to a vacuum source, the outlet being in communication with the inner chamber for passing the vapor stream out of the inner chamber, and at least one sampling port in communication with the inner chamber, the at least one sampling port each being configured for coupling engagement with a gas sampling apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides devices, systems, and methods for determination of one or more analytes. The analyte may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an electrical, optical, or other signal of a material (e.g., sensor material) present within the device, upon exposure to the analyte. The signal may be an electrical and/or optical property of the device. In some cases, devices described herein may be useful as sensors for the determination of analytes such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and/or toxins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for characterizing adhesive bonding using an acoustic wave MEMS sensor. The sensor can consist of a silicon substrate, a thin aluminum nitride film on top of the substrate and a thin gold film above the aluminum nitride layer. An adhesive layer is added on top of the sensor and the dispersion property of acoustic waves in the layered configuration can be utilized for bonding integrity characterization. A wave dispersion model is developed to study the effect of changing the interface stiffness on the wave dispersion profile and to investigate the sensitivity of different sensor configurations. The results of the model illustrate that the dispersion profile shifts in the direction of decreasing wave velocity as the interface stiffness decreases.