Micromechanical sensor and laser photoacoustic detection for trace gas sensing technologies

The aim of the proposed project is to demonstrate the feasibility of trace gas detection improvement by laboratory experiments. Advanced transducers based on cantilevers and photoacoustics will be used to explore the micromechanical properties of various materials (mainly silicon and carbon) including functional materials (especially graphene, nanotubes and nanoscrolls) and for the design of new highly sensitive gas sensors. The data will be a prerequisite for qualitative and then quantitative evaluation of detection capabilities of developed micromechanical element. The next aim is to study calibration possibilities for model gases (CH4, SF6, CH3OH) in order to provide calibration measurements leading up to the quantification of micro-mechanical parameters and to verification of the significant sensitivity improvement.