Artificial nose: Vapour trace detection by functionalized microcantilevers

An artificial nose is a very sensitive sensing device capable of detecting trace amounts of targeted species. The general idea behind microelectro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) is that physical, chemical or biological stimuli affect mechanical characteristics of the micromechanical transducer in such a way that the resulting change can be measured using optical, electronic or other means. We are developing different ultra sensitive sensing systems for detection of different chemical or biological species.