Date of Award
Fall 1989
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical Engineering
First Advisor
Jose, Fabien J.
Second Advisor
Ishii, Thomas
Third Advisor
Haworth, Daniel T.
Abstract
This thesis will provide an investigation of the use of bulk acoustic wave resonator devices as liquid-phase chemical sensors capable of performing in viscous and/or conductive solutions. A miniature liquid cell containing an 11-MHz AT-cut quartz crystal resonator was designed and fabricated for the experimental work. Oscillator circuitry was designed to drive the resonator which is subjected to mass loading; viscosity effects and/or conductivity effects as the various liquids are placed on one surface. Frequency shifts for several viscous and conductive liquids are measured and compared to theoretical values. The viscous solutions ' tested include sugars such as sucrose and glucose, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, and other solutions such as glycerol and ethylene glycol. The conductive solutions tested include potassium chloride and potassium nitrate. Finally, acetic acid, a liquid that is both viscous and conductive, is tested. The measured frequency shifts showed very good agreement with existing theoretical calculations. These results indicate that AT-cut quartz crystal resonators can be used in microsensor applications to quantify a known solute in a given solution.
Recommended Citation
Radtke, David E., "Piezoelectric Quartz Resonators As Liquid-Phase-Based Sensors" (1989). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3901.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3901