Micro-Analytical Systems for National Security Applications

Dr. Richard W. Cernosek
Friday, April 21, 2006
1:30PM ~ 3:00PM HPA (Health & Public Affairs) - room 112

Abstract


Sandia National Laboratories has a long tradition of technology development for national security applications. In recent years, significant effort has been focused on micro-analytical systems - handheld, miniature, or portable instruments built around microfabricated components. Many of these systems include microsensor concepts and target detection and analysis of chemical and biological agents. The ultimate development goal for these instruments is to produce fully integrated sensored microsystems. Among the new components and systems being explored are the following:
  1. A new microcalibrator chip, consisting of a thermally labile solid matrix on an array of suspended-membrane microhotplates, that when actuated delivers controlled quantities of vapor. The vapor pulses can then be injected into and processed by micro-chemical analysis systems.
  2. New chemical vapor detectors which are amenable to array configurations and monolithic integration. These include micro-calorimeters based on catalyst coated microhotplates, micro-flame ionization detectors, micro-thermionic ionization detectors - particularly a micro-nitrogen phosphorous detector, nanoparticle-based detectors which use organic bridging ligands, and MEMS pivot-plate resonators for mass detection.
  3. Micron-scale cylindrical ion traps fabricated using a molded tungsten process. These ion traps are fabricated in large arrays and form the critical element for a mass analyzer. The target application is mass spectrometry for chemical and biological agents.
  4. Monolithically integrated micro-chemical analysis systems fabricated in silicon. These systems incorporate chemical preconcentrators, gas chromatography columns, detector arrays, and MEMS valves.

Short Bio


Richard Cernosek is manager of Sandia National Laboratories’ Micro-Analytical Systems Department. He has BS and MS degrees in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering. During his 28 years at Sandia, Dr. Cernosek has contributed to technology development ranging from fundamental device research to prototype system testing and commercialization. The last 22 years have focused on sensor development chem/bio detection systems.