Inertial sensor based on nanowires and magnetoresistance

01.05.2007 - 30.04.2010
Research funding project
The main goal of this project is to develop a novel kind of inertial sensor by combining (really) nanoscale components of different research fields in solid state physics, i.e. self-assembled nanowires, magnetic particles, and giant or tunnel magnetoresistance (GMR or TMR) thin film detectors. The proposed inertial sensor is a kind of biomimetic sensor. It resembles the cilia of the inner ear and the hearing process: the motion of nanowires triggers electrical signals via embedded detectors. In principle, self-organized nanowires grown either perpendicularly or obliquely on a substrate carry a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particle on their free end. This magnetic nanoparticle could be either the natural seed, a bound magnetic bead or lithographically attached material. The magnetic fringing field of such a particle is recorded by an adjacent magnetoresistive detector. If then an external force exerts some bending of the wire, the fringing field strength and hence the magnetoresistive response amplitude change. The project goal is to develop demonstrators of this inertial sensor. This task includes the controlled growth of guided self-assembled nanowires, the attachment of magnetic particles to the nanowires, and the optimization of magnetoresistive thin film detectors. In addition, micromagnetic modelling helps to understand the sensor response. The proposed sensor is supposed to be very simple, and hence low cost and competitive. With a suitable setup and layout, any movement and vibration of the nanowires can be detected. The sensor can be therefore used as acoustic sensor and ¿microphone¿ in the kHz and MHz range. The frequency can be adjusted in first instance by the diameter and length of the nanowires. Another potential usage is the detection of biomolecules attached to it, or as flow sensor in fluids. For exploitation, a patent application is filed at the moment. A further primary exploitation goal is to initiate collaboration with relevant companies to use the results for sensor products.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FWF - Österr. Wissenschaftsfonds (National) Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

Research focus

  • Special and Engineering Materials: 25%
  • Nano-electronics: 20%
  • Sensor Systems: 50%
  • Modeling and Simulation: 5%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
nanodrähtenanowires
magnetowiderstandmagnetoresistance
trägheitssensorinertial sensor

External partner

  • Seibersdorf Labor GmbH

Publications