Recent Advances in Chemically Sensitive Electronic Devices

Abstract

Significant advances have occurred in microfabricated ion sensitive and Pd gated field effect devices and fiber optic, chemically sensitive elements. These elements are beginning to find their way into commercial development. Recent advances in these devices are discussed and compared. Pyroelectric sensor devices developed here are reviewed. A discussion of the utility of these devices is presented.An important goal f of the research presented in this volume is the development of instantaneous or near instantaneous data acquisition elements which, with the assistance of suitable control algorithms, could define a system's state in real time. The need for process control information has become even more urgent as high speed, low cost, single chip microcomputers become generally available. The development of new real time sensors based on contemporary materials and phenomena knowledge requires a more systematic approach than has been the case to date. While the need for new measurement tools to advance scientific and technological inquiry is certainly well appreciated, sensor and sensor related research is frequently viewed as "widget making" by the scientific and technological communities. By and large, the development of new sensors has been a byproduct of the normal course of materials or phenomena research. It is only in the last few years that the scientific and technological community has taken note of the fact that sensor research is becoming a distinct and important topic.