Nanotubes Enhance Ionisation Sensor
Ionisation sensors provide fingerprints of distinct gases but are normally bulky and consume large amounts of power at high voltages. The MWNT-based sensors use the sharp tips of the tubes to generate very high electric ionisation fields at relatively low voltages. The MWNT film was created by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on a silicon dioxide substrate.
The high electric fields at the tube tips hasten the breakdown process. The precise breakdown voltage provides a fingerprint for the particular gas. The discharge current is determined by the gas concentration. Because the technique does not involve adsorption/desorption of gases, the sensor displays a fast response.
The first test in air with an anode-cathode separation of 150microns generated a 460microA discharge at 346V. Without the nanotubes, the same structure generates a 69microA current at 960V. Further tests of the nanotube sensor showed detection capability for helium, argon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and ammonia.
The team also investigated the use of the sensor for gas chromatography. The researchers believe that with an appropriate design, analytes in low ppm range (around 25ppm) could be detected. This could lead to the development of field-portable gas chromatographs for use in emergencies and counter-terrorism activities.
AngelTech Live III: Join us on 12 April 2021!
AngelTech Live III will be broadcast on 12 April 2021, 10am BST, rebroadcast on 14 April (10am CTT) and 16 April (10am PST) and will feature online versions of the market-leading physical events: CS International and PIC International PLUS a brand new Silicon Semiconductor International Track!
Thanks to the great diversity of the semiconductor industry, we are always chasing new markets and developing a range of exciting technologies.
2021 is no different. Over the last few months interest in deep-UV LEDs has rocketed, due to its capability to disinfect and sanitise areas and combat Covid-19. We shall consider a roadmap for this device, along with technologies for boosting its output.
We shall also look at microLEDs, a display with many wonderful attributes, identifying processes for handling the mass transfer of tiny emitters that hold the key to commercialisation of this technology.
We shall also discuss electrification of transportation, underpinned by wide bandgap power electronics and supported by blue lasers that are ideal for processing copper.
Additional areas we will cover include the development of GaN ICs, to improve the reach of power electronics; the great strides that have been made with gallium oxide; and a look at new materials, such as cubic GaN and AlScN.
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