Title : An analysis of thermal effects on vibration frequency of a quartz crystal microbalance
Abstract:
Abstract: A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a high-precision gravimetric sensor for biological and chemical samples in research laboratories, hospitals, and industry. The accuracy of a QCM depends on the design of the quartz crystal resonator with the specially tailored electrode and affinity layer for the sensing function and the stability in operations. As a result, a careful and accurate analysis of the QCM structure with considerations of quartz crystal blank, electrodes, temperature, and sample characteristics is important in the evaluation of sample materials and configurations. Concerning these issues, there are some experimental studies on the material and structural parameters and frequency variations, and corresponding analyses are also made with simplified plate equations to ensure an analytical procedure to improve the design process. It is found that the approximate equation of plate vibrations is capable of accurate results in certain ranges of parameters, and the results are consistent with the finite element analysis. The refinement of the equation and techniques for the complication factors like electrodes, samples, and temperature will provide a more reliable procedure for the design and optimization of QCM with better precision. There will be detailed discussions on the analytical equations and comparisons of results from measurements with the consideration of temperature.
Audience Takeaway:
- The thermal behavior of a quartz crystal microbalance is analyzed with plate equations
- Analytical results are consistent with measurement data
- Measurement of a QCM can be improved and calibrated systematically
- QCM design can be improved for better stability and accuracy
- Novel design of QCM is supported through the vibration analysis with thermal effects
