Chitin-based cantilever bimorphs and readout devices

US8026485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Michael Mueller · Gifhorn, DE
• Albert P. Pisano · Livermore, US
• Robert Azevedo · Albany, US
• David C. Walther · Hayward, US
• David R. Myers · Cypress, US
• Matthew Wasilik · Moraga, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 27, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01J5/40
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An infrared sensor with at least one cantilever beam functionalized with chitin, chitosan or their derivatives that can be tailored to be sensitive to certain IR bands for detection and does not require cooling is described. The functional layers expand differently than the structural layer of the cantilever beam causing the beam to bend in response to exposure to infrared radiation. The sensor can be adapted to optical, piezoresistive, capacitive and piezoelectric methods of detect beam deflection. Sensitivity can be increased with a reflective layer to increase the absorption of infrared radiation by the functional layer.