Table of Contents
What is QCM sensor?
Quartz crystal microbalances (QCM) are piezoelectric biosensors that detect resonance frequency variation associated with mass change on the chip surface, i.e., when target analytes are captured by specific antibodies or DNA probes immobilized on the crystal chip surface.
How does QCM work?
To conclude, the QCM, which is a real-time, surface sensitive technique, monitors the change in mass or thickness of layers adhering to the surface of a quartz crystal. This is achieved by measuring the change in resonance frequency of the quartz crystal upon excitation by a driving voltage.
What is quartz crystal microbalance used for?
Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an instrument that allows a user to monitor small mass changes on the surface of a coated quartz crystal.
What is a TQCM?
A TQCM is a device used to monitor in real-time the evolution of the amount of volatile condensable materials emitted from a device/unit under test. This is achieved by measuring the mass flow of contaminants that condense at a specific temperature on its sensing surface.
How does quartz crystal work as a sensor?
QMC is based on sensing changes in acoustic resonant frequency of a quartz crystal caused by the binding of an analyte on its surface. Here, an external oscillating electric potential is applied across the crystal that induces an acoustic wave through the piezoelectric effect that resonates.
Which type of biosensor quartz crystals are used?
A piezoelectric biosensor is based on the sensitivity of a quartz crystal microbalance, which is capable of detecting changes in the vibration frequency caused by a change in mass due to the binding of a target on its surface.
What is the frequency of quartz?
32.768kHz
Frequency: The frequency of common quartz crystals lies between 32.768kHz and approx. 200MHz. Quartz crystals with higher frequencies are usually available in smaller mounting forms.
What is piezoelectric biosensor?
Piezoelectric biosensors are a group of analytical devices working on a principle of affinity interaction recording. A piezoelectric platform or piezoelectric crystal is a sensor part working on the principle of oscillations change due to a mass bound on the piezoelectric crystal surface.
Which biosensor works on basic resonance frequencies?
The change in resonating frequency results in current production which is measured. Another similar type of biosensor is the pyroelectric biosensor, which is based on the principles of pyroelectricity, i.e., properties of certain materials to produce current with a temperature change.
Can quartz conduct electricity?
Quartz crystal is the most widely used crystal when it comes to conducting electricity. It’s resistance to wear and heat, added to its ability to regulate electricity, makes it a highly valuable substance for technology engineers.
Why is quartz used in electronics?
Quartz is widely used within electronics where quartz resonators are used as high performance resonators for use in filters and oscillators. Within electronic circuit designs, quartz is able to provide resonant electronic components with exceptionally high levels of Q for use within filters and oscillators.
How do piezoelectric sensors work?
Piezoelectricity is the charge created across certain materials when a mechanical stress is applied. Piezoelectric pressure sensors exploit this effect by measuring the voltage across a piezoelectric element generated by the applied pressure. They are very robust and are used in a wide range of industrial applications.
What is the output of piezoelectric sensor?
One piezoelectric transducer can output 0.058-J energy in a single 0.7-MPa loading. However, higher output power does not guarantee a higher energy output.