Martin Gröschl

Abstract: A review of sensors based on piezoelectric crystal resonators is presented. The survey focuses on the fundamental resonator modes rather than on the variety of surrounding support configurations in special sensor applications. First, the general properties of vibrating crystal sensors and their inherent superiority are described. The sensor concepts utilizing either homogeneous resonators with temperature and pressure (stress) as primary measurants or composite resonators with areal mass density and viscoelastic properties of the 'foreign' layer as primary measurands are discriminated. A comparison between bulk acoustic wave (BAW) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators with respect to their primary sensitivity functions and principal capabilities for sensor applications is given and the importance of recent investigations on Lamb wave and horizontal polarized shear wave (HPLW) interdigital transducer (IDT) resonators is acknowledged. The importance of mode purity for high dynamic range sensors based on resonators and some aspects of the demand on specialized electronics are emphasized. The present state of established sensors based on primary sensitivities, e.g., quartz-crystal thermometers, pressure transducers, thin-film thickness and deposition-rate monitors, viscoelastic layer analysers (crystal/liquid composite resonators) is reviewed. A selection of the most promising recently investigated vibrating crystal sensors utilizing indirect sensitivities is described, including the wide field of analyte-selective coatings and resonator-based immunosensors or immunoassays. Finally, the potential of alternative piezoelectric materials for future sensor developments is briefly discussed.

TL;DR: In this paper, the theoretical modeling of ultrasonic separators based on piezoelectrically excited layered resonators is described and the performance of the h-shaped ultrasonic separation chamber is analyzed by combining the laminar flow with the acoustic force-based velocity field of the particles relative to the suspension medium.

TL;DR: Two types of flow‐through cell retention devices based on the concept of layered piezoelectric resonators are described, which could be used as systems to retain biomass within the fermentor or as a substitute for centrifugation, with the major advantage of eliminating high‐speed rotational motion.

TL;DR: In this paper, the ultrasonic resonance field is generated within a multilayered composite resonator system including a transducer, the suspension and a mirror parallel to each other.

TL;DR: A comparison is given between piezoelectrically excited bulk acoustic wave (BAW) and surfaceoustic wave (SAW) elements with respect to their primary sensitivity functions and principal capabilities for sensor applications.