Sensors and Acoustics
Acoustic waves are vibrations travelling along the surface of a material. The vibration of the surface as the wave passes provides a sensitive probe of any liquid or solid in contact with the surface.
Our acoustic wave work focuses on high frequency surface localised acoustic waves (SAWs) and quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs). We design and fabricate devices and engineer surface structures and we create coatings which provide specific binding to analytes of interest. Our devices are designed to be sensitive at the solid-vapour and solid-liquid interfaces and incorporate knowledge of soft matter systems.
Our work involves the design of devices, thin and thick film lithography using state of the art mask aligners, high frequency characterisation of devices and surface modification chemistry.
Recent research has been conducted in collaboration and with the support of BBSRC, EPSRC, Dstl, the Anthony Nolan Institute and a range of UK and international universities.
Academic staff
