Cantilevered probe detector with piezoelectric element
First Claim
1. A chemical detection system for detecting a target material, comprising:
- a cantilevered probe;
a probe heater thermally coupled to the cantilevered probe; and
a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe, further comprising a detection circuit coupled to the piezoelectric element of the cantilevered probe, wherein the piezoelectric element and detection circuit are configured to detect a movement of the cantilevered probe based on signals generated by the piezoelectric element as it moves.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
161 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A chemical detection system for detecting a target material, comprising:
- a cantilevered probe;
a probe heater thermally coupled to the cantilevered probe; and
a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe, further comprising a detection circuit coupled to the piezoelectric element of the cantilevered probe, wherein the piezoelectric element and detection circuit are configured to detect a movement of the cantilevered probe based on signals generated by the piezoelectric element as it moves. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- a cantilevered probe;
Specification