Title :
Gas chromatography utilizing SAW sensors
Author :
Watson, G. ; Horton ; Staples, E.
Author_Institution :
Amerasia Technol. Inc., Westlake Village, CA, USA
Abstract :
The performance of a high-speed (10-15-s) gas chromatography system for the detection of illicit materials is described. The system is based on an isothermal capillary column gas chromatograph (GC) and a 500-MHz surface acoustic wave (SAW) crystal decoder. The SAW sensor operates as an integrating GC detector and is able to continue operating for extended periods without replacement by using periodic in situ cleaning. Specificity to materials of interest is enhanced by controlling the sorption/desorption characteristics of the SAW crystal surface. The system is capable of operating over a wide range of vapor concentrations extending from femtograms to many nanograms without overloading
Keywords :
chromatography; gas sensors; surface acoustic wave devices; ultrasonic applications; 10 to 15 sec; 500 MHz; SAW sensor; capillary column; crystal decoder; gas chromatography; sorption; Acoustic sensors; Acoustic signal detection; Acoustic waves; Crystalline materials; Decoding; Gas chromatography; Gas detectors; Isothermal processes; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Surface acoustic waves;
Conference_Titel :
Ultrasonics Symposium, 1991. Proceedings., IEEE 1991
Conference_Location :
Orlando, FL
DOI :
10.1109/ULTSYM.1991.234175
