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handbook of modern sensors

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17<br />

Chemical Sensors 1<br />

Chemical <strong>sensors</strong> respond to stimuli produced by various chemicals or chemical reactions.<br />

These <strong>sensors</strong> are intended for the identification and quantification <strong>of</strong> chemical<br />

species (including both liquid and gaseous phases; solid chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are not<br />

common).<br />

In science and research, chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are used in many areas from atmospheric<br />

monitoring <strong>of</strong> pollutant emissions to detection <strong>of</strong> explosives. These <strong>sensors</strong> are used<br />

routinely to characterize gas samples from laboratory experiments and to track the<br />

migration <strong>of</strong> hazardous chemical spills in soils at field sites. New applications include<br />

tracking/locating insect pest infestations such as termites by their characteristic <strong>of</strong>fgassing<br />

from cellulose digestion and the monitoring <strong>of</strong> the menstrual cycles <strong>of</strong> cattle<br />

(to improve effectiveness <strong>of</strong> artificial insemination).<br />

In industry, chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are used for process and quality control during<br />

plastics manufacturing and in the production <strong>of</strong> foundry metals where the amount<br />

<strong>of</strong> diffused gases affects metal characteristics such as brittleness. They are used for<br />

environmental monitoring <strong>of</strong> workers to control their exposure to dangers and limit<br />

health risks. Chemical <strong>sensors</strong> find many new applications as electronic noses and<br />

are being used to test and control food spoilage, the distribution <strong>of</strong> pesticides in<br />

agricultural applications, and to grade beverages.<br />

In medicine, chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are used to determine patient health by monitoring<br />

oxygen and trace gas content in the lungs and in blood samples. These <strong>sensors</strong> are<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten used for breathalyzers to test for blood alcohol levels and as indicators <strong>of</strong> the<br />

digestion problems <strong>of</strong> patients.<br />

In the military, chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are used to detect fuel dumps and airborne chemical<br />

warfare agents. Liquid chemical <strong>sensors</strong> are used to manage training base operations<br />

by carefully monitoring groundwater contamination. Combinations <strong>of</strong> liquid and<br />

gas <strong>sensors</strong> are used in experimental military applications to monitor toxics produced<br />

from refineries and nuclear plants to verify compliance with weapons treaties.<br />

1 This chapter is written in collaboration with Dr. Michael C. Vogt (Argonne National<br />

Laboratory).

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