Open AccessMeasuring liquid properties with smooth- and textured-surface resonators
Author(s) -
Stephen J. Martin,
Kurt O. Wessendorf,
C.T. Gebert,
G.C. Frye,
R.W. Cernosek,
L. Casaus,
M. A. Mitchell
Publication year - 1993
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/139545
Subject(s) - resonator , materials science , quartz crystal microbalance , gravimetric analysis , optoelectronics , viscosity , surface tension , sensitivity (control systems) , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , electronic engineering , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , adsorption , quantum mechanics , chromatography , engineering
The sensitivity of quartz resonators to surface mass accumulation enables their use in a number of sensing applications. The linear change in resonant frequency that occurs with mass accumulation allows the device to function as a general-purpose gravimetric detector or ``microbalance.`` The device is easily instrumented as a sensor by incorporating it as the frequency-control element of an oscillator circuit. The response of thickness shear mode (TSM) resonators in liquids is examined. Smooth-surface devices, which viscously entrain a layer of contacting liquid, respond to the product of liquid density and viscosity. Textured-surface devices, which also trap liquid in surface features, exhibit an additional response that depends on liquid density alone. Combining smooth and textured resonators in a monolithic sensor allows simultaneous measurement of liquid density and viscosity