Applications of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalances deals with the theory, design, artifacts, and varied applications of the piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance. Applications of microbalances range from thin film deposition process control to simultaneous measurement of mass and temperature, analytical chemistry, and space system contamination studies. Stress effects in microbalances are also considered. Comprised of 10 chapters, this volume begins with a historical background and overview of applications of piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalances, followed by an analysis of the theory and practice of microbalances. The role of acoustic impedance in a quartz crystal microbalance and design considerations for a microbalance are given emphasis. Subsequent chapters focus on applications of microbalances in thin film deposition process control; simultaneous measurement of mass and temperature; surface science and analytical chemistry; plasma-assisted etching and space system contamination studies; and aerosol mass measurement. This monograph will be of interest to students and practitioners of physics, chemistry, and materials science.

This volume includes a comprehensive theoretical treatment and current state-of-the art applications of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). It discusses interface circuits and the study of viscoelasticity and micromechanics as well as surface roughness with the QCM. Coverage also details the broad field of analytical applications of piezoelectric sensors.

Piezoelectric Transducers and Applications provides a guide for graduate students and researchers to the current state of the art of this complex and multidisciplinary area. The book fills an urgent need for a unified source of information on piezoelectric devices and their astounding variety of existing and emerging applications. Some of the chapters focus more on the basic concepts of the different disciplines involved and are presented in a didactic manner. Others go deeper into the complex aspects of specific fields of research, thus reaching the technical level of a scientific paper. Among other topics resonant sensors, especially bulk acoustic wave thickness shear mode resonators, chemical and bio-sensors, as well as broadband ultrasonic systems are treated in-depth.

Scientifically defined in 1880 by the Curie brothers, piezoelectricity - from the Greek piezein, meaning to press (squeeze), and ilektron, meaning amber, a material with electrostatic properties - is a phenomenon with many applications. The related piezoelectric materials have been undergoing a long-lasting evolution over the years until today. The field of organic and inorganic piezoelectric materials is continuously expanding in terms of new substances used, new structures, and new applications. The seven chapters of this book present modern aspects and technological advances in the field of piezoelectric materials and applications. To present a balanced view of the field, some chapters focus on new piezoelectric materials and structures, while others examine interesting applications of piezoelectric sensors, energy harvesters, and actuators.

A biosensor is a device in which a bioactive layer lies in direct contact with a transducer whose responses to change in the bioactive layer generate eloctronic signals for interpretation. The bioactive layer may consist of membrane-bound enzymes, anti-bodies, or receptors. The potential of this blend of electronics and biotechnology includes the direct assay of clinically important substrates (e.g. blood glucose) and of substances too unstable for storage or whose concentrations fluctuate rapidly. Written by the leading researchers in the field, this book reflects the most current developments in successfully constructing a biosensor. Major applications are in the fields of pharmacology, molecular biology, virology and electronics.