Date of Award

9-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Victor M. Bright, PhD

Abstract

This study investigated the sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility of a chemically-sensitive field-effect transistor (CHEMFET) gas microsensor. Various physical operating parameters were tested to determine which produced the most significant sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility which were computed from response changes generated from electrical conductivity modulations when exposed to challenge gases. The variable operating parameters included: thinfilm material, film thickness, challenge gas specie, challenge gas concentration, and operating temperature. Copper phthalocyanine and lead phthalocyanine were used as thin films to detect the following challenge gases: nitrogen dioxide, dimethyl methylphosphonate, boron trifluoride, methanol, carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene. Tests revealed that copper phthalocyanine was the most sensitive to dimethyl methylphosphonate and boron trifluoride, whereas lead phthalocyanine was the most sensitive to the remaining challenge gases. The CHEMFET was selective to the binary challenge gas combinations. The films were most selective for nitrogen dioxide. The CHEMFET was fully reversibly, and the time duration for full reversibility increased with increasing challenge gas concentrations and increasing time of exposure.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GE-ENG-93S-10

DTIC Accession Number

ADA270625

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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