Plasma-assisted cataluminescence sensor array for gaseous hydrocarbons discrimination

Combining plasma activation and cross-reactivity of sensor array, we have developed a plasma-assisted cataluminescence (PA-CTL) sensor array for fast sensing and discrimination of gaseous hydrocarbons, which can be potentially used for fast diagnosis of lung cancer. Based on dielectric barrier discharge, a low-temperature plasma is generated to activate gaseous hydrocarbons with low cataluminescence (CTL) activities. Extremely increased CTL responses have been obtained, which resulted in a plasma assistance factor of infinity (∞) for some hydrocarbons. On a 4 × 3 PA-CTL sensor array made from alkaline-earth nanomaterials, gaseous hydrocarbons showed robust and unique CTL responses to generate characteristic patterns for fast discrimination. Because of the difference in the component of hydrocarbons in breath, exhaled breath samples from donors with and without lung cancer were tested, and good discrimination has been achieved by this technique. In addition, the feasibility of multidimentional detection based on temperature was confirmed. It had good reproducibility and gave a linear range of 65-6500 ng/mL or 77-7700 ppmv (R > 0.98) for CH(4) with a detection limit of 33 ng/mL (38 ppmv) on MgO. The PA-CTL sensor array is simple, low-cost, thermally stable, nontoxic, and has an abundance of alkaline-earth nanomaterials to act as sensing elements. This has expanded the applications of CTL-based senor arrays and will show great potential in clinical fast diagnosis.     

A carbon-nanotube-based sensor array for formaldehyde detection

We have fabricated a sensor array consisting of 32 sensor elements with pristine, doped and metal-loaded single-wall carbon nanotubes as sensing materials. The sensor elements consist of interdigitated electrodes with varying finger widths and gaps. The chemiresistor-type sensors provide a significant response to formaldehyde at concentrations down to 10 ppb in air with rapid response and recovery times.     

Trace detection and discrimination of explosives using electrochemical potentiometric gas sensors

In this article, selective and sensitive detection of trace amounts of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) is demonstrated. The screening system is based on a sampling/concentrator front end and electrochemical potentiometric gas sensors as the detector. Preferential hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide(s) mixed potential sensors based on lanthanum strontium chromite and Pt electrodes with yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte were used to capture the signature of the explosives. Quantitative measurements based on hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide sensor responses indicated that the detector sensitivity scaled proportionally with the mass of the explosives (1-3 μg). Moreover, the results showed that PETN, TNT, and RDX samples could be discriminated from each other by calculating the ratio of nitrogen oxides to hydrocarbon integrated area under the peak. Further, the use of front-end technology to collect and concentrate the high explosive (HE) vapors make intrinsically low vapor pressure of the HE less of an obstacle for detection while ensuring higher sensitivity levels. In addition, the ability to use multiple sensors each tuned to basic chemical structures (e.g., nitro, amino, peroxide, and hydrocarbon groups) in HE materials will permit the construction of low-cost detector systems for screening a wide spectrum of explosives with lower false positives than present-day technologies.     

Sagnac-type fiber-optic array sensor for detection of bulk ultrasonic waves

In this paper, we describe a fiber optic array sensor suitable for detection of bulk ultrasonic waves. This sensor is based on an intrinsic fiber optic Sagnac interferometer. The fiber array is formed by multiple folding of a continuous length of an optical fiber into flat coils. Depending on the orientation of the fiber array with respect to the ultrasonic wave, the proposed sensor can act as a conventional in-phase detector or as a narrowband detector. In the narrowband mode, the center frequency of detection can be tuned by adjusting the spacing of the fiber array elements to be equal to the ultrasonic wavelength of interest. This feature distinguishes this array sensor from conventional hydrophones in which a receiver is typically much smaller than the acoustical wavelength. It is shown that the array sensor provides an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared with a single element detection scheme. Results are presented for detection of ultrasonic waves in water arising from both piezoelectric and laser ultrasonic sources. Potential areas of application of this sensor include process monitoring, smart structures, bio-medical ultrasound, and chemical sensing.     

Individually addressable crystalline conducting polymer nanowires in a microelectrode sensor array

An efficient, site-specific and scalable approach has been developed to produce high-quality and individually addressable conducting polymer nanowire electrode junctions (CPNEJs) in a parallel-oriented array. Polypyrrole and PEDOT conducting polymer nanowires (CPNWs) with uniform diameters (ca. 60-150?nm) were introduced into the desired electrode junctions in a precise manner by performing a three-step constant-current electrochemical process at a low current density and a low concentration of monomers. A low scan rate, cyclic voltammetric method was also employed and gave similar results. These CPNEJ arrays function as a miniaturized sensor for the parallel and real-time detection of gas and organic vapour. The electrochemical approaches utilized allow the conducting polymer chains to self-organize in the CPNWs to form novel polycrystalline structures, observed by high resolution TEM. The weak diffraction rings at 4.88?? and 4.60?? were observed for PEDOT and polypyrrole CPNWs, respectively.     

一种基于阵列不变量的浅海声源深度分类方法

浅海负跃层环境下波导不变量可以用于声源深度分类,但是当声源相对于接收阵无径向距离变化时,波导不变量值难以估计。针对距离已知且相对于接收阵无径向距离变化的声源,提出一种基于阵列不变量的声源深度分类方法,可适用于浅海负跃层环境。所提方法利用阵列不变量估计波导不变量,进而实现声源深度分类。计算机仿真结果表明,当垂直阵位于负跃层以下且声源距离已知时,利用阵列不变量估计出的波导不变量随声源深度的变化明显,可用于目标深度分类。     

Protein sensing and cell discrimination using a sensor array based on nanomaterial-assisted chemiluminescence

Cross-reactive sensor arrays, known as "chemical noses", offer an alternative to time-consuming analytical methods. Here, we report a sensor array based on nanomaterial-assisted chemiluminescence (CL) for protein sensing and cell discrimination. We have found that the CL efficiencies are improved to varied degrees for a given protein or cell line on catalytic nanomaterials. Distinct CL response patterns as "fingerprints" can be obtained on the array and then identified through linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The sensing of 12 kinds of proteins at three concentrations, as well as 12 types of human cell lines among normal, cancerous, and metastatic, has been performed. Compared with most fluorescent or colorimetric approaches which rely on the strong interaction between analytes and sensing elements, our array offers the advantage of both sensitivity and reversibility.     

Adaptive K-NN for the detection of air pollutants with a sensor array

The field of air-quality monitoring is gaining increasing interest, with regard to both indoor environment and air-pollution control in open space. This work introduces a pattern recognition technique based on adaptive K-nn applied to a multisensor system, optimized for the recognition of some relevant tracers for air pollution in outdoor environment, namely benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), NO/sub 2/, and CO. The pattern-recognition technique employed aims at recognizing the target gases within an air sample of unknown composition and at estimating their concentrations. It is based on PCA and K-nn classification with an adaptive vote technique based on the gas concentrations of the training samples associated to the K-neighbors. The system is tested in a controlled environment composed of synthetic air with a fixed humidity rate (30%) at concentrations in the ppm range for BTX and NO/sub 2/, in the range of 10 ppm for CO. The pattern recognition technique is experimented on a knowledge base composed of a limited number of samples (130), with the adoption of a leave-one-out procedure in order to estimate the classification probability. In these conditions, the system demonstrates the capability to recognize the presence of the target gases in controlled conditions with a high hit-rate. Moreover, the concentrations of the individual components of the test samples are successfully estimated for BTX and NO/sub 2/ in more than 80% of the considered cases, while a lower hit-rate (69%) is reached for CO.     

通过模态滤波实现阵列式传感器系统的故障诊断

基于结构振动响应特性利用改进的模态滤波方法对阵列式传感器系统进行故障诊断。在梁结构表面均匀布置一组加速度计,利用模态振型对该系统的输出信号进行重构,将重构信号与实际信号之间的曲率误差作为敏感参数,对系统中的模拟故障传感器进行检测与识别,并加以实验验证。数值计算和实验结果表明:改进的模态滤波方法不仅可以直接有效地对传感器系统进行实时故障监测,而且该方法与外界激励力位置无关,具有良好的工程应用前景。     

Micro hot plate-based sensor array system for the detection of environmentally relevant gases

A monolithic stand-alone gas sensor system is presented, which includes on a single chip an array of three metal oxide-coated micro hot plates with integrated MOS-transistor heaters, as well as a specifically designed digital system architecture. An octagonal-shaped micro hot plate design with MOS-transistor heaters has been adopted for the three gas sensors. The integrated circuitry includes a programmable digital temperature regulation, digital sensor readout units, and a standard serial interface. The programmable digital temperature controllers enable individual regulation of the micro hot plate temperatures in constant or dynamic mode. Nanocrystalline tin oxide thick films with different Pd dopings (undoped, 0.2 and 3 wt %) were used. Gas test measurements for environmentally relevant gases were carried out and evidenced detection limits of less than 1 ppm for carbon monoxide, or 100 ppm for methane, both at 40% relative humidity. Temperature modulation techniques were successfully applied for improved analyte discrimination.     

Synthesis of high crystallinity ZnO nanowire array on polymer substrate and flexible fiber-based sensor

Well aligned ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays are grown on Kevlar fiber and Kapton film via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. These NWs have better crystallinity than those synthesized through the low-temperature hydrothermal method. The average length and diameter of ZnO NWs grown on Kevlar fiber can be controlled from 0.5 to 2.76 μm and 30 to 300 nm, respectively. A flexible ultraviolet (UV) sensor based on Kevlar fiber/ZnO NWs hybrid structure is made to detect UV illumination quantificationally.     

基于像素偏振阵列的图像传感器航向角检测

目的:模仿昆虫的导航能力,研究基于像素偏振阵列结构图像传感器的偏振导航方法。方法:使用具有像素偏振阵列结构的芯片搭建偏振导航传感器,采用两种航向角解算方法进行导航实验。在基于图像的航向角计算方法中,以太阳子午线方向建立新的坐标体系后重绘偏振角图片,提取出所有偏振角接近90°的特征点位置进行直线拟合,结合实际太阳方位角解算出航向角。结果:两种导航方法均实现了航向角检测,基于图像的航向角解算方法精度较高,航向角测量最大误差为0.882°,误差均值为0.332°。结论:基于像素偏振阵列结构的图像传感器实现了航向角检测,精度满足导航需求。     

Lipophilic polymer membrane optical sensor with a synthetic receptor for saccharide detection

An optical sensing approach for the detection of saccharides based on reversible boronic acid-diol complexation in a lipophilic polymer membrane is presented. The complexation of saccharides with phenyl boronic acids that are immobilized in a hydrophobic polymer matrix produces a stable boronate anion and liberates a mobile hydrogen ion. The change in fluorescence intensity of the sensing films resulting from the increase in hydrogen ion concentration is thus directly related to the ambient saccharide concentration. By monitoring the pH change in a bulk optical film, we were able to detect D-glucose, D-fructose, D-galactose, and D-sorbitol with a concentration range from 0.1 to 100 mM at physiological pH 7.4.     

Sensors--an effective approach for the detection of explosives

The detection of explosives and explosive related illicit materials is an important area for preventing terrorist activities and for putting a check on their deleterious effects on health. A number of different methods, based on different principles, have been developed in the past for the detection of explosives. Sensors are one of those methods of detection which have capability to mimic the canine system and which are known to be the most reliable method of detection. The objective of this review is to provide comprehensive knowledge and information on the sensors operating on different transduction principles, ranging from electrochemical to immunosensors, being used for the detection of explosives as they pose a threat for both health and security of the nation. The review focuses mainly on the sensors developed in the recent 5 years and is prepared through summary of literature available on the subject.     

Chemiluminescence detection systems for the analysis of explosives

The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of explosive detection by chemiluminescence (CL) through a summary of the relevant literature in the last 5 years and a synopsis of current research topics and developments. The literature reviewed is specially addressed for the detection of a group of high explosives, containing nitrogen compounds. Most explosives compounds contain either nitro or nitrate groups which make possible their detection and quantification using detection systems based on chemiluminescent reactions. Practical considerations and experimental requirements are indicated, and the possibilities and limitations are evaluated.     

Fabrication and calibration of oxazine-based optic fiber sensor for detection of ammonia in water

This paper presented the fabrication and calibration of a clad-modified evanescent based plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor for the detection of ammonia in both stagnant and dynamic aqueous media. This optochemical sensor was based on Oxazine 170 perchlorate (sensing material) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (protective material) thin layers. A special chemical solution was developed for the etching removal of cladding and a methodology for trapping moisture was exercised. Experimental results on dissolved ammonia detection exhibited short response time (≤10 s), low detection limit (minimum detection limit 1.4 ppm), high sensitivity, and excellent reversibility (over 99%).     

Portable gas chromatograph with tunable retention and sensor array detection for determination of complex vapor mixtures

A prototype portable gas chromatograph that combines a multiadsorbent preconcentrator/focuser, a tandem-column separation stage with individual column temperature control and junction point pressure modulation, and a detector consisting of an integrated array of polymer-coated surface acoustic wave microsensors is described. Using scheduled first-column stop-flow intervals and independent temperature programming of the two columns, it is possible to adjust the retention of eluting analyte vapors to maximize vapor recognition with the microsensor array and minimize the time of analysis. A retention window approach is combined with Monte Carlo simulations to guide retention tuning requirements and facilitate pattern recognition analyses. The determination of a 30-vapor mixture of common indoor air contaminants in < 10 min is demonstrated using ambient air as the carrier gas. Detection limits of < 10 ppb are achieved for the majority of compounds from a 1-L air sample on the basis of the most sensitive sensor in the array. Performance is assessed in the context of near-real-time indoor air quality monitoring applications.     

Microstructure,deformation and failure of polymer bonded explosives

Polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) are highly particle filled composite materials comprised of explosive crystals and a polymeric binder (ca. 5–10% by weight). The microstructure and mechanical properties of two pressed PBXs with different binder systems were studied in this paper. The initial microstructure of the pressed PBXs and its evolution under different mechanical aggressions were studied, including quasi-static tension and compression, ultrasonic wave stressing and long-pulse low-velocity impact. Real-time microscopic observation of the PBXs under tension was conducted by using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a loading stage. The mechanical properties under tensile creep, quasi-static tension and compression were studied. The Brazilian test, or diametrical compression, was used to study the tensile properties. The influences of pressing pressures and temperatures, and strain rates on the mechanical properties of PBXs were analyzed. The mesoscale damage modes in initial pressed samples and the samples insulted by different mechanical aggressions, and the corresponding failure mechanisms of the PBXs under different loading conditions were analyzed.     

Detection and discrimination of low concentration explosives using MOS nanoparticle sensors

In the present study, four explosives of NH(4)NO(3), mineral explosives (ME), picric acid (PA) and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) have been investigated by using ZnO-doped nanoparticle sensors with additives of Sb(2)O(3), TiO(2), V(2)O(5) and WO(3). Firstly, eighteen ZnO-doped nanoparticle sensors were optimized and selected six best sensors to compose a new optimized array. Then, the detection capability of the sensor array was studied by using static sampling method. The results showed that with the increase in concentration of samples, the sensitivities of the sensors also increased, and the lowest detection limit of the four samples were low to 3.34 microg/L. At last, for the sake of approaching closer practical application, these four explosives were also studied with full dynamic sampling method and the results demonstrated that all the samples could be well identified completely at the concentration of 15.4 microg/L when maximum values of slope were extracted as the feature parameters to DFA analysis.