Nanocrystalline porous silicon films (nanodots) and polymeric silicon wires (nanowires) have been used to detect chemicals in gas and liquid phase. Transduction mechanisms using quantum confinement derived photoluminescence and optical reflectivity have been used. Photoluminescence intensity is modulated by energy or electron transfer induced quenching, and a shift of the Fabry-Perot reflectivity fringes from thin nanocrystalline films occurs upon molecular absorption. Examples of irreversible detection and reversible sensing modes for explosives, nerve warfare agents, and various odors of commercial interest will be provided. A catalyst can be incorporated into the nanomaterials to provide specificity for the analyte of interest. These devices are all compatible with conventional Si microfabrication technologies, and a complete low-power detector package could be implemented in a package the size of a cigarette pack, capable of delivery via a 40 mm or smaller munition. An operational battery-powered unit has been constructed and tested on the live nerve warfare agent Sarin.
Low-power microsensors for explosives and nerve warfare agents using silicon nanodots and nanowires
2001
13 Seiten, 27 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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