The Membrane-type Surface-stress Sensor (MSS) is a device to detect specific components in gaseous phase with high sensitivity using a piezoresistive nanomechanical sensor. This device shows great potential as a core component for artificial- (electric-) nose sensors/systems utilized in e.g., medical, food, environment, safety and security fields.
The working principle of the MSS is as follows:
A receptor layer coated on the silicon membrane of a nanomechanical sensor yields surface stress upon absorption/adsorption of target molecules. Small beams supporting the membrane are then mechanically deformed and the integrated piezoresistors on the beams change their resistance. By monitoring the changes in resistance, one can detect the presence of the target molecules. The receptor material determines the sensitivity and the specificity of the device in detecting the target molecules.
Now NANOSENSORS™ has added a new MSS sensor type, the “SD-MSS-1K2GP” – a nanomechanical sensor based on the MSS technology – to its Special Development list (http://www.nanosensors.com/pdf/SpecialDevelopmentsList.pdf).
The “SD-MSS-1K2GP” is basically identical to the “SD-MSS-1K2G”, which was introduced in 2017, except that the aluminum electrodes of the SD-MSS-1K2GP are covered with a silicon oxide layer.
The piezoresistors of the SD-MSS-1K2GP are covered with silicon nitride as the already introduced “SD-MSS-1K2G” model. Thus, the “SD-MSS-1K2GP” can be employed for “liquid” or “wet” applications. This feature extends the possibilites of usage for the MSS sensors, for example sensing of taste, detections of chemical reactions in solutions, etc.
Please note that the MSS Sensors platforms that NANOSENSORS offers are no plug-and-play devices. They are raw sensor platforms intended to support researchers in the fields of smell/odor sensing with a platform for their research so that they don’t have to start their setup from scratch. The MSS sensors will still need to be coated with detection layers by the individual researchers in order to become functional sensors.
For further technical information, price or delivery times please contact us at info(at)nanosensors.com
