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handbook of modern sensors

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18.2 Surface Processing 543<br />

sensor substrates are available from many manufacturers in thicknesses ranging from<br />

0.1 to 10 mm.<br />

18.1.5 Glasses<br />

Glass is an amorphous solid material made by fusing silica with a basic oxide. Although<br />

its atoms never arrange themselves into crystalline structure, the atomic spacing<br />

in glass is quite tight. Glass is characterized by transparency, availability in many<br />

colors, hardness, and resistance to most chemicals except hydr<strong>of</strong>luoric acid (Table<br />

A.25). Most glasses are based on the silicate system and is made from three major<br />

components: silica (SiO), lime (CaCO 3 ), and sodium carbonite (NaCO 3 ). Nonsilicate<br />

glasses include phosphate glass (which resists hydr<strong>of</strong>luoric acid), heat-absorbing<br />

glasses (made with FeO), and systems based on oxides <strong>of</strong> aluminum, vanadium, germanium,<br />

and other metals. An example <strong>of</strong> such specialty glass is arsenic trisulfate<br />

(As 2 S 3 ) known as AMTIR, which is substantially transparent in mid- and far-infrared<br />

spectral ranges and is used for fabricating infrared optical devices. 2<br />

Borosilicate glass is the oldest type <strong>of</strong> glass which is substantially resistant to<br />

thermal shock. Under the trademark Pyrex ® , some <strong>of</strong> the SiO 2 molecules are replaced<br />

by boric oxide. The glass has a low coefficient <strong>of</strong> thermal expansion and thus is used<br />

for the fabrication optical mirrors (such as in telescopes).<br />

Lead–alkali glass (lead glass) contains lead monoxide (PbO) which increases its<br />

index <strong>of</strong> refraction. Also, it is a better electrical insulator. In the sensor technologies,<br />

it is used for fabricating optical windows and prisms and as a shield against nuclear<br />

radiation. Other glasses include alumosilicate glass (in which Al 2 O 3 replaces some<br />

silica), 96% silica, and fused silica.<br />

Another class <strong>of</strong> glass is light-sensitive glasses which are available in three grades.<br />

Photochromatic glass darkens when exposed to UV radiation and clears when the UV<br />

radiation is removed or glass is heated. Some photochromatic compositions remain<br />

darkened for a week or longer. Others fade within few minutes when UV radiation is<br />

removed. The photosensitive glass reacts to UV radiation in a different manner: If it is<br />

heated after exposure, it changes from clear to opal. This allows the creation <strong>of</strong> some<br />

patterns within the glass structure. Moreover, the exposed opalized glass is much<br />

more soluble in hydr<strong>of</strong>luoric acid, which allows for an efficient etching technique.<br />

18.2 Surface Processing<br />

18.2.1 Deposition <strong>of</strong> Thin and Thick Films<br />

Thin films are required to give a sensing surface some properties which it otherwise<br />

does not possess. For example, to enhance the absorption <strong>of</strong> thermal radiation by a farinfrared<br />

sensor, the surface may be coated with a material having high absorptivity,<br />

(e.g., nichrome). A piezoelectric film may be applied to a silicon wafer to give it<br />

piezoelectric properties. The thick films are <strong>of</strong>ten used to fabricate pressure <strong>sensors</strong><br />

or microphones where the flexible membranes have to be produced. Several methods<br />

2 AMTIR infrared glasses are available from Amorphous Materials, Inc. Garland, TX.

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