Improved Methods for the Polymer Coating of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Crystals

There is a critical need for the detection and identification of toxic industrial materials (TIM). This proposal concerns the development of an array-based chemical sensor that has a real time response, is highly sensitive and inexpensive, and requires aminimal attendance and maintenance. The array-based sensor will be composed of incrementally diverse conducting polymers. They are formed by a new lithographic fabrication method, and have unique advantages and detection capabilities compared to existinggas sensors. By controlling the properties of theindividual elements of the array, a unique fingerprint will identify chemical agents. The fabrication procedure will allow the sensor elements to respond to the presence of TIMs in hazardous concentrations from naturally occurring backgrounds. The sensorwill incorporate integrated circuits to control sampling and signal detection and analysis, including pattern recognition. During the Phase I project, the feasibility of the monitor design at the bench scale will be demonstrated in the detection,identification, and quantification of TIMs. During the Phase II project, a prototype sensor will be fabricated, field tested, and delivered to the Government. The prototype will be design to be integrated in the joint chemical agent detector (JCAD).There are large potential commercial applications involving the use of an array-based chemical sensor to: (i) to detect the presence of toxic and regulated chemicals in industries as well as in commercial and residential applications,; (ii) to analyzecomplex mixtures found in the medical, food, beverage, agronomic and perfume industries, such as human breath, perfumes, beers, foods, mixtures of solvents, pesticides, etc.; (iii) to monitor the effectiveness of remediation efforts; (iv) to sensepesticides in water and in fresh produce, to assess livestock waste, and to monitor airborne pollen levels, etc.