Paper-based MEMS hair cell array

This paper introduces the first paper-based hair cell array utilizing a piezoresistive measurement system. We began with a commercially available card-stock type paper and fabricated several prototypes of varying geometries. We then tested these prototypes and observed their ability to sense specific excitation frequencies, as well as their response to indirect excitation frequencies. Direct and indirect excitation signals were applied by a shaker at frequencies in the range of 20-100Hz. Using indirect excitation and a simple cantilever hair cell, input frequency can be sensed using only RMS voltage. With direction excitation of a cylindrical hair cell, a single structure can be used to determine a range of input frequencies using spectral analysis techniques.