Optimization of a heater geometry for flexible gas sensor applications

The need for low cost gas sensors has been required especially for home usage. Possible applications are, in buildings or basements where possible toxic gases can be accumulated, for example carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane. This paper presents a first step in developing gas sensors based on impedance measurements. For optimal sensor operation a heater that should ensure uniform heating of the structure is required. We have proposed and realized a series of three geometries with different materials that will serve as heaters for future sensor development. The element of novelty consists in the use of flexible substrates. The heater will be supplied with appropriate voltage in order to obtain a working temperature between 80 and 100 °C. The temperature distribution was firstly simulated and subsequently measured by thermographical methods.