Cantilever based mass sensor with hard contact readout

Søren Dohn, Ole Hansen, Anja Boisen

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Abstract

We present a method for microcantilever resonant frequency detection. We measure the direct current from an intermittent contact once every vibration cycle between the conducting cantilever and a counterelectrode at a low bias voltage with respect to the cantilever, while the excitation frequency and amplitude are varied. The result is an almost "digital" detection of the resonant frequency. A relative frequency resolution Delta f/f of 1/80 000 with high signal to noise ratio in ambient conditions is demonstrated. The detection method can be applied to portable sensor systems with very high frequency nanoelectromechanical cantilevers using simple off-chip electronics.
Original languageEnglish
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume88
Issue number26
Pages (from-to)264104
ISSN0003-6951
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Bibliographical note

Copyright (2006) American Institute of Physics. This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the American Institute of Physics.

Keywords

  • NANOELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS

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