Inductively coupled, polymer coated surface acoustic wave sensor for organic vapors

We introduce a new device architecture for polymer coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for the detection of organic vapors. This new design differs from conventional devices because the sensor is inductively coupled to the rf circuitry so that no bonding wires and sockets are necessary. Two designs of SAW sensors operating in different modes were investigated: a one port device for measurements with a network analyzer or a vector voltmeter and a two port device for oscillator applications.