Sensor System detects chemical agents in air or fluids.

Veeco Metrology Apr 17, 2002

Press Release Summary:

Scentris(TM) works by utilizing cantilever surface coated with material that has selective affinity for given target substance. Setup uses high-resolution, laser array-based detection scheme that enables measurement of cantilever deflections down to nanometer-scale and measures sub-hertz resonant frequency shifts on cantilevers with resonant frequencies up to 1 MHz. Software for Scentris is written in LabVIEW(TM).

Original Press Release:

Veeco Develops First Commercial Cantilever Sensor System

Santa Barbara, CA, March 8, 2002 Veeco Metrology Group has announced the release of the Scentris(tm) cantilever sensor array research platform for science and industry. This powerful research tool will enable new discoveries to be made in the developing field of chemical sensor applications, with strong potential for advances in defense and security, clinical diagnostics, drug development, quality control, aroma analysis, and water/air quality monitoring.

"With its ability to sense in air or fluids, the Scentris offers a very flexible platform for investigation," explains Dr. Craig Prater, project manager. "It can be easily customized for different applications, and a single sensor can be coated to detect an array of different chemical agents." Veeco scientist, Dr. Marko Baller adds, "Up to this point, researchers have had to rely on home-built instruments. By making the Scentris available commercially, we will open up the research opportunities to a wider range of scientists, allowing them to focus on scientific results rather than building tools."

The system works by utilizing a cantilever surface coated with a
material that has a selective affinity for a given target substance. When the target substance encounters the cantilever, it generates a mechanical signal that bends or changes the resonance frequency of the cantilever, thereby allowing identification. The current setup uses a high-resolution, laser array--based detection scheme that enables measurement of cantilever deflections down to the nanometer-scale and measures sub-hertz resonant frequency shifts on cantilevers with resonant frequencies up to 1 MHz. The software for the Scentris is written in LabVIEW(tm), permitting the utmost in compatibility and flexibility with external equipment and in experiment set up.

Veeco Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ:VECO) is a worldwide leader in process equipment and metrology tools for the optical telecommunications/wireless, data storage, semiconductor and research markets. Manufacturing and engineering facilities are located in New York, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Minnesota. Global sales and service offices are located throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific. Additional information on Veeco can be found at www.veeco.com.