Development of an Integrated CMUTs-Based Resonant Biosensor for Label-Free Detection of DNA with Improved Selectivity by Ethylene-Glycol Alkanethiols

Gravimetric resonant-inspired biosensors have attracted increasing attention in industrial and point-ofcare applications,enabling label-free detection of biomarkers such as DNA and antibodies.Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers(CMUTs)are promising tools for developing miniaturized highperformance biosensing complementary metal–oxide–silicon(CMOS)platforms.However,their operability is limited by inefficient functionalization,aggregation,crosstalk in the buffer,and the requirement for an external high-voltage(HV)power supply.In this study,we aimed to propose a CMUTs-based resonant biosensor integrated with a CMOS front–end interface coupled with ethylene–glycol alkanethiols to detect single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides with large specificity.The topography of the functionalized surface was characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis.Improved selectivity for onchip hybridization was demonstrated by comparing complementary and non-complementary singlestranded DNA oligonucleotides using fluorescence imaging technology.The sensor array was further characterized using a five-element lumped equivalent model.The 4 mm^(2) application-specific integrated circuit chip was designed and developed through 0.18 lm HV bipolar-CMOS-double diffused metal–oxide–silicon(DMOS)technology(BCD)to generate on-chip 20 V HV boosting and to track feedback frequency under a standard 1.8 V supply,with a total power consumption of 3.8 mW in a continuous mode.The measured results indicated a detection sensitivity of 7.943×10^(-3) lmol·L^(-1)·Hz^(-1) over a concentration range of 1 to 100 lmol·L^(-1).In conclusion,the label-free biosensing of DNA under dry conditions was successfully demonstrated using a microfabricated CMUT array with a 2 MHz frequency on CMOS electronics with an internal HV supplier.Moreover,ethylene–glycol alkanethiols successfully deposited self-assembled monolayers on aluminum electrodes,which has never been attempted thus far on CMUTs,to enhance the selectivity of bio-functionalization.The findings of this study indicate the possibility of full-on-chip DNA biosensing with CMUTs.

Design of a hexagonal air-coupled capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer for air parametric array

An air parametric array can generate a highly directional beam of audible sound in air,which has a wide range of applications in targeted audio delivery.Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer(CMUTs)have great potential for air-coupled applications,mainly because of their low acoustic impedance.In this study,an air-coupled CMUT array is designed as an air parametric array.A hexagonal array is proposed to improve the directivity of the sound generated.A finite element model of the CMUT is established in COMSOL software to facilitate the choice of appropriate structural parameters of the CMUT cell.The CMUT array is then fabricated by a wafer bonding process with high consistency.The performances of the CMUT are tested to verify the accuracy of the finite element analysis.By optimizing the component parameters of the bias-T circuit used for driving the CMUT,DC and AC voltages can be effectively applied to the top and bottom electrodes of the CMUT to provide efficient ultrasound transmission.Finally,the prepared hexagonal array is successfully used to conduct preliminary experiments on its application as an air parametric array.

Simulation Study of CMUT for Pressure Sensing Applications

Capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducers(CMUTs)have been widely studied because they can be used as substitutes for piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers in imaging applications.However,it is unclear whether and how CMUTs can be developed for sensors incorporating other functions.For instance,researchers have proposed the use of CMUTs for pressure sensing,but fundamental and practical application issues remain unsolved.This study explored ways in which a pressure sensor can be properly developed based on a CMUT prototype using a simulation approach.A three-dimensional finite element model of CMUTs was designed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software by combining the working principle of CMUTs with pressure sensing characteristics in which the resonance frequency of the CMUT cell shifts accordingly when it is subjected to an external pressure.Simultaneously,when subjected to pressure,the CMUT membrane deforms,thus the pressure can be reflected by the change in the capacitance.

CROSS-CORRELATION MEASURING SYSTEM FOR MEASURING VELOCITY OF BULK MATERIAL FLOW IN PIPE LINE

In this paper the cross correlation technique for measuring velocity of bulk material flow in pipe line was investigated and a new capacitance transducer with converter has been introduced. The system was controlled by single chip computer with a real-time cross correlation cumputing software. Computing time reaches 1 sec and velocity measuring error is less than 1%.

Development of timer based on liquid level measurement system

This paper describes the design and development of the timer based on liquid level measurement system in which timer 555 is used in astable mode. The capacitor charging time i. e. the ON time pulse width of the timer output waveform which is measured using a digital storage oscillator （DSO）,is linearly proportional to the capacitance of a co-axial cylindrical capacitive transducer, and this capacitance once again linearly varies with the change in liquid level. Hence, we obtain a linear relationship between the liquid level and the capacitor charging time. The main advantages of this developed system are linear input-output relationship, small in size, easily portable, cost effective, and independent on the ambient temperature effect. The system can also be exploited to measure dielectric constant of liquid or solid in various process industries.

The Transplant of Technology of Capacitive Displacement Transducer to Phase Modulation Grating-the Research of the Grating with nm Measuring Resolution

The method rising measuring resolution through reducing pitch of the transducer has brought forward from the basic structure, principle and the corresponding relationship among pitches of capacitive electrodes, period T and phase shift of vv(x,t). But if the traditional technique of PCB made of the transducer is still used, it will meet with difficulties in lead wire. And so the technology transplant from the transducer to grating is presented, the basic principle of the phase modulation grating similar...