IMT 06-20 Bachelor or Master Thesis: SAW sensor surface sensitization using nanometric polymer layers

Organizational unit

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Job description

For the surface acoustic sensor technology the surface sensitization defines the sensor affinity and, therefore, its selectivity, making possible to get tailor made sensors for a given application of the sensor system. In this context is crucial to bring a wide spread of chemical environments to the surface of the sensor in order to maximize and fine tuning the sensor selectivity to achieve any desired application.

In this work we will produce polymeric nanometric layers over a SAW substrate varying the chemical nature of the coating materials in order to get a spread spectrum of chemical environments, maintaining the layer mechanical and chemical stability together with other properties that are necessary to permit the use of the sensors in real applications.

The quality of the deposition of the nanometric layers will be characterized by the acoustic methods and by using some selected microscopy methods. The selectivity of the sensors will be tested against a scale of chemical compounds of different chemical functions, structure and polarity

Further information on the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT): www.imt.kit.edu

Starting date

as soon as possible

Personal qualification

The candidate should be self-motivated, independent and responsible with strong research affinity. Knowledge on Labview and Matlab would be an advantage.

Field of study: Chemistry or Sensor Systems Technology