IEEE Sensors 2005 Special Sessions
Title (Invited Speaker)
Organizer
Nanostructured sensors
Invited speaker: Prof. Richard O. Claus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Francisco J. Arregui
Micro and Nano Fluidic Chips for Biosensors
Invited speaker: Prof. Abraham P. Lee, University of California, Irvine
Wing Cheong HUI
CMOS-Based Sensors
Invited speaker: Prof. Gary Fedder, Carnegie Mellon University
Stanley H. HUANG
Cantilever-Based Micro/Nano Sensors and Probes
Invited speaker: Prof. Masayoshi Esashi, Tohoku University
Xinxin LI
Wide-Bandgap Materials for Bio-Sensor Applications
Invited speaker: Dr. Martin Eickhoff, Technische Universität München
Anita Lloyd Spetz
Sensing Electrical Cell Activity
Invited speaker: Prof. Dr. Peter Fromherz, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry
Martin Stutzmann
Sensors for Harsh-Environment Applications
Invited speaker: Dr. Thomas George, Vialogy Corporation
Robert Okojie
Miniature gyroscopes – inertial sensors for rotation measurement
Invited speaker: Dr. Asad Madni, BEI Technologies, Inc.
Andrei Shkel
Practical industrial deployments of sensor systems
Invited speaker: Dr. Tom Jenkins, MetroLaser, Inc.
Peter DeBarber
Photonic crystal, random-hole optical fibers, microstructures, and new functional coating materials for sensor applications
Invited speaker: Dr. Gary Pickrell, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hai Xiao
Smart sensors and interface electronics
Invited speaker: Mr. Michiel Pertijs, Delft University of Technology
Gerard C.M. Meijer
Kofi Makinwa
Title: Nanostructured sensors
Session Organizer: Prof. Francisco J. Arregui
Brief Description: Recently, different emerging techniques have made possible the fabrication of nanostructured materials for the fabrication of sensors with characteristics that open the possibility of new fields of application. These devices are based on the arrangement of ultrathin sensitive films that can be deposited on planar substrates or objects with different shapes and sizes like optical fibers or even micro spheres. Due to the versatility of these new techniques it is possible the fabrication of novel materials that combines different properties, for example the high electrical conductivity of metals with the low mechanical modulus of elastomers and the optical transparency of glasses (e.g. the nanocomposite Metal RubberTM). These new materials and structures have led to the fabrication of several types of novel sensors which are based on nano Fabry-Perots, microgratings, tunable refractive index materials, nanospheres, quantum dots and many others. The scientific community is paying a great attention to this discipline and the number of papers related to this topic has largely increased in the last few years together with the public and private investment in this new promising field.
Invited Speaker: Prof. Richard O. Claus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Brief Bio: Dr. Richard O. Claus is a recognized expert in advanced materials and structures, received the Optical Engineering Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. He was named Virginia's Outstanding Scientist for 2001. Since receiving his doctorate in 1977 from Johns Hopkins University, he has worked on the faculty of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. The author of more than 800 technical journal and conference publications, he holds 29 issued and pending patents, most concerning smart materials and structures, and nanotechnology. Dr. Claus is coeditor- in-chief of the Smart Materials and Structures journal of the Institute of Physics. He has won international awards for research from professional organizations and government agencies, including the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Instrument Society of America, SPIE -The International Society for Optical Engineering, and NASA.
Title: Micro and Nano Fluidic Chips for Biosensors
Session Organizer: Mr. Wing Cheong HUI
Brief Description: A lot of emphasis has been placed on the biomedical industry in recent years. Exciting breakthroughs have happened in biomedical and life science technologies, including biosensors for diagnostics and analysis. For many of these new diagnostic and analytical techniques, it is common that samples can be scarce and the regents are usually very expensive. In order to make these new biosensing processes more efficient and practical, miniaturization becomes the next logical trend. Micro and nano fluidic chips can play an important role in this area. These chips can facilitate a micro environment for sample preparation and/or amplification required for the biosensing. They are able to provide much closer manipulation of the biological species at the cellular and/or molecular level; and thus can provide a faster response too. The demand of them has been fueled by the advances in drug discovery, genomics, and laboratory automation. The experts in this special session will share their experience in the development of various kinds of micro and nano fluidic chips for biosensing applications with us.
Invited speaker: Prof. Abraham P. Lee, University of California, Irvine
Brief Bio: Dr. Abraham Lee is Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. Before UCI he held positions at the National Cancer Institute, DARPA, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Professor Lee’s current research is focused on the development of integrated micro and nano fluidic chips (pumps, valves, sensors) for the following applications: point-of-care diagnostics, “smart” nanomedicine for early detection and treatment, automated cell sorting based on electrical signatures, tissue engineering and stem cells, the synthesis of ultra-pure materials, and biosensors to detect environmental and terrorism threats. He currently serves as a Subject Editor for the Journal of Microelectromechnical Systems and International Advisory Editorial Board member of Lab on a Chip. Professor Lee has published over 40 peer reviewed articles and owns 32 issued patents.
Title: CMOS-Based Sensor
Session Organizer: Dr. Stanley H. HUANG
Brief Description: Research in the CMOS-based micro-machining area is motivated by the benefits of high performance of monolithic integration and industrial standard semiconductor process which implies potential low-cost and high-yield. Smart sensors are made by combining microstructures of MEMS sensors and circuits on a single silicon chip. This session will be devoted to papers on the sensors made by this special standard process.
Invited speaker: Prof. Gary Fedder, Carnegie Mellon University
Brief Bio: Dr. Gary K. Fedder received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982 and 1984, respectively. In 1994, he received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, where his research focused on process development, modeling, and simulation for polysilicon surface microsystems. He joined the Carnegie Mellon University in October 1994 as an Assistant Professor holding a joint appointment with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Robotics Institute. From 1984 to 1989, he worked at the Hewlett-Packard Company on a VLSI integrated-circuit test system and on modeling of printed-circuit-board interconnect for high-speed computers. He received the 1993 AIME Electronic Materials Society Ross Tucker Award in recognition of his work on MEMS digital multi-mode control. His present research interests include surface-micromachined MEMS in standard CMOS processes, physical design tools for MEMS, embedded microsensor packaging, and microrobotics.
Title: Cantilever-Based Micro/Nano Sensors and Probes
Session Organizer: Prof. Xinxin LI
Brief Description: Micro/nano cantilevers have been considered powerful tools for ultra-sensitive physical, chemical and biological detection. By optimized design and fabrication, the cantilever sensor is promising to recognize at the level of individual molecule. On another hand, cantilever-tip structures can be used as SPM probes. Along with the rapid development of advanced SPM with new probing functions, novel integrated probes, as key components, are formed by micromachining technology. The research field of cantilever-based micro/nano sensors/probes is becoming more and more intensive.
Invited speaker: Prof. Dr. Thomas Thundat, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brief Bio: Prof. Dr. Thomas Thundat is a Distinguished Staff Scientist and the leader of the Nanoscale Science and Devices Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He is also a research professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a visiting professor at the University of Burgundy, France. He is currently focused on novel physical, chemical, and biological detection using micro and nano mechanical sensors. His expertise includes physics and chemistry of interfaces, solid-liquid interface, biophysics, scanning probes, nanoscale phenomena, and quantum confined atoms. He has published more than 150 papers in journals including Nature. In 2004, his research achievement was highlighted in the magazine of Time. Dr. Thundat is the recipient of many awards that include the 2003-2004 Scientific American 50 Award, the U.S. Department of Energy's Young Scientist Award, R&D 100 Award, Inventors Hall of Fame Award, AMSE Emerging Technology Award, Discover Magazine Award, FLC Award, ASME Pioneer Award, and UT-Battelle Awards for invention, publication, and Research and Development. Dr. Thundat was also named ORNL Inventor of the Year in 2000 and in 2003 and in addition, Dr. Thundat is a Battelle Distinguished Inventor.
Title: Wide-Bandgap Materials for Bio-Sensor Applications
Session Organizer: Prof. Anita Lloyd Spetz
Brief Description: Wide bandgap material for the realization of novel biochemical transducers, coupling of wide bandgap semiconductors to organic systems, biofunctionalization of wide bandgap semiconductor surfaces.
Invited speaker: Dr. Martin Eickhoff, Technische Universität München
Brief Bio: Martin Eickhoff worked on SiC-based piezoresistive high-temperature sensors for Daimler Chrysler Research and Technology. In 2001 he moved to the Walter Schottky Institut of the Technische Universität München where he is the head of the “Sensors and Materials” group. He works on growth and characterization of group III-nitrides and other wide bandgap semiconductors and in the material and device development for chemical and biochemical sensors. Recent work has been dedicated to the realization of AlGaN/GaN-based Bio-FETs for the sensitive detection of biochemical processes and biochemical surface functionalizatio of group III-nitride alloys. He has authored and coauthored more than 70 publications and was an invited speaker on several international conferences such as MRS fall meeting, annual meeting of the Electrochemical Society, EMRS fall meeting
Title: Sensing electrical cell activity
Session Organizer: Prof. Martin Stutzmann
Brief Description: The sensitive and non-invasive detection of cellular electric activity is a central problem in bioelectronics, artificial neuronal networks, and for biomedical or environmental sensor concepts (e.g. living cells as alarm systems). To this end, both the reliable stimulation and detection of action potentials has to be achieved. So far, the invasive patch clamp technique defines the state of the art in this field, but semiconductor field effect transistors, notably specially designed silicon MOSFETs, have shown a great potential, in particular for more complex integrated sensor arrays. In addition, other material systems such as III-nitrides, diamond, or metal contacts have also been investigated for this purpose. The aim of the symposium is to provide an overview over the current state-of-the-art in this emerging area of sensors.
Invited Speaker: Prof. Dr. Peter Fromherz, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Membrane and Neuro Physics Group, Martinsried, Germany
Brief Bio: Prof. Dr. Peter Fromherz, is a director at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry and professor for Biophysics at the Technical University Munich. He completed his PhD in Physical Chemistry in 1969 at the University Marburg. He became a full professor for Experimental Physics at the University Ulm in 1981. In 1994 he was elected as a Scientific Member of the Max Planck Society and joined the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried/Munich. His main interests are the interfacing of semiconductor chips with neuronal systems and the development of molecular optoelectronic probes for brain research. He is a member of the Academy of Sciences of Berlin and Heidelberg.
Title: Sensors for Harsh-Environment Applications
Session Organizer: Dr. Robert Okojie
Brief Description: There is a growing demand in industry and government for micro- and nanosensors in harsh environments. These extreme environments could be where the temperature is as low as -130 oC (on Mars) and as high as 1000 oC or more in some engines, extreme vibrations (>60,000 g's), and aggressive chemical and biological media. The unique characteristics of these environments are such that conventional sensing technologies based purely on silicon technology are functionally inadequate. This has opened new technology development paths for the utilization of materials for sensing other than conventional semiconductor materials. These realizations of needs are for the purpose of maximizing efficiency, improved energy management, safety, and improved quality of life. Current applications being sought after are in space and planetary explorations, advanced aero-propulsion systems, next generation hydrogen-powered automotives, high stress/high acceleration environments, oil well logging, and in several on going biological and physiological studies. Also, because developmental flight vehicles are expensive, ground based tests are designed to provide as much detailed information about the vehicle engine performance as possible prior to production. However, the harsh operating environment, weight and space constraints in these engines do not provide sanctuary for conventional bulky and expensive sensors. This session will provide a forum for the presentation of new and emerging sensor concepts and technologies that are addressing the various needs stated above.
Invited Speaker: Dr. Thomas George, NASA-JPL
Brief Bio: Dr. Thomas George obtained his B.Tech in Metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in 1982, and MS and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1984 and 1989, respectively, majoring in Materials Science Engineering and minors in Electrical Engineering and Physics. Between 1996 and 1999, he was a Senior Member of Technical Staff at NASA-JPL, Pasadena, CA, where he managed research tasks aimed at the development of novel micro-instruments using MEMS-based technology and successfully commercialized a JPL-developed silicon bulk-micromachined tunneling infrared detector and a MEMS-based infrared emitter/bolometric detector for commercial gas detection. Since 1999, he has managed a group consisting of 22 researchers working on the development of diverse MEMS technologies for NASA applications and provides leadership for the group and identifies thrust areas to focus research effort. He manages several innovative research tasks within the group. Research is performed collaboratively with Academic, Government and Commercial teams. The MEMS technologies being developed by the group include a Micro-gyroscope, Micro-propulsion devices, Micro-valves, Micro-instruments, Bio-Nano-MEMS, and PICOSATs. He has won several awards, professional recognition, and over five patents.
Title: Miniature gyroscopes – inertial sensors for rotation measurement
Session Organizer: Prof. Andrei Shkel
Brief Description: The principal use of gyroscopes is to measure orientation, heading, or pointing directions. Gyroscopes are the components most critical to the performance and cost of military and commercial navigation, guidance, and vehicle control systems. Gyroscopes are difficult to develop and to optimize, and few new concepts have succeeded in the marketplace. Even though the fabrication of vibratory gyroscopes with continuously maturing micromachining technologies is expected to become an attractive solution to current inertial sensing market needs, the limited capabilities of photolithography and micro-fabrication processes, and the resulting inherent imperfections in the mechanical structure significantly limit the performance, stability, and robustness of MEMS gyroscopes. In addition, the use of silicon MEMS technology does not ensure low cost, since some proposed devices are very large by silicon standards and require extensive and expensive calibration and compensation. While gyros in the degree/second performance range with a cost $10 or less are under development for automotive applications, these devices and technologies cannot bridge the nearly two order-of-magnitude gap to reach navigation-level performance. Gyros under development for higher performance applications do not yet have the combination of performance and low cost required for success. This invited session will involve industrial and academic world-experts in inertial MEMS sensors, discussing commercial success stories and failing concepts, unrealistic expectations and opportunities for the micro-gyro technology.
Invited Speaker: Dr. Asad Madni, BEI Technologies, Inc.
Brief Bio: Dr. Asad M. Madni is President and Chief Operating Officer of BEI Technologies. His responsibilities related to this paper include evaluating new sensor technology directions worldwide, as well as evaluation of their potential impact for Systron Donner products. His focus is presently on the evaluation of MEMS technology for a wide range of military, commercial, and automotive systems. Dr. Madni has extensive experience heading technology groups responsible for the development of new and emerging sensor technologies, and in technology transfer and high volume commercialization. Dr. Madni is an internationally recognized authority with over 30 years of experience in ”intelligent system” design and signal processing. He is credited with over 90 refereed publications, 26 issued patents, and 14 patents pending resulting in numerous “industry firsts”.
Title: Practical industrial deployments of sensor systems
Session Organizer: Peter DeBarber
Brief Description: Papers are solicited on topics related to practical applications and demonstrations of sensor systems. Topics of particular interest include, but will not be limited to: non-intrusive techniques applied to practical industrial processing environments. Commercial firms offering advanced sensor products are encouraged to present their unique offerings. To be included in this special session, papers should balance advancements or innovations in the measurement technique and the specific application. Often, much emphasis is placed on device development at the expense of implementation and practical applications. This session will track sensor technologies out of the laboratory and into the real world with an emphasis on successful sensor deployments in practical industrial environments.
Invited Speaker: Dr. Tom Jenkins, MetroLaser, Inc., Irvine, CA
Brief Bio: Dr. Thomas Jenkins is currently a Senior Scientist at MetroLaser, Inc., where he has worked for the last five years developing laser-based sensors. Prior to coming to MetroLaser, Dr. Jenkins worked for two years as a Research Associate at Stanford University developing methods of measuring soot concentration in engines. He received a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, in 1997, and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution in 1992. Prior to that, he worked as a combustion analysis engineer at Aerojet in Sacramento, CA for two years after receiving a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1987.
Title: Photonic crystal, random-hole optical fibers, microstructures, and new functional coating materials for sensor applications
Session Organizer: Dr. Hai Xiao
Brief Description: The field of photonic crystal fibers, random-hole optical fibers, microstructures, and new functional coating materials present a large opportunity for developing new sensor devices based on different mechanisms for various in-situ monitoring applications. This session would be devoted to papers on sensor applications of these types of fibers and materials.
Invited Speaker: Dr. Gary Pickrell, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Brief Bio: Dr. Pickrell is currently the Associate Director for the Center for Photonics Technology in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, the Director of the Nano-Bio Materials Laboratory, and an Assistant Professor in Materials Science and Engineering Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is an inventor of the Random Hole Optical Fibers and has over 75 publications in the areas of novel optical fibers, sensors and materials including 9 patents issued; is an R&D 100 Award winner for one of the top 100 products developed in the world for 2004 (a fiber optic sensor system), has been an invited speaker at the joint NSF-ESF conference on Civil Infrastructure Monitoring held in Strasbourg France, an invited speaker at the joint US-Japanese geological society workshop on earthquake monitoring held in Tsukuba, Japan; an invited speaker at the NCSL International Workshop and Symposium, and an invited speaker at SPIE and Materials Research Society conferences.
Title: Smart Sensors and Interface Electronics
Session Organizer: Prof. Dr. Ir. Gerard C.M. Meijer
Sess
ion Co-organizer: Dr. Kofi MakinwaBrief Description: This topic is focused upon electronic circuitry and systems which have been designed especially for sensors and sensor systems. Important design aspects include considerations for precision, selectivity, reduction of cross-sensitivity, speed, reliability, A/D conversion of sensor signals, calibration, auto-calibration, self-testing, standardization of the output signals, etc. The sensor interface circuits can be integrated together with the sensing elements, but this is not a requirement.
Invited Speaker: Mr. Michiel Pertijs, Delft University of Technology
Brief Bio: Mr. Michiel Pertijs received the M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering (cum laude) from Delft University Technology in 2000. He is currently working towards a Ph.D. degree at the Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory of the same university, on the subject of high-accuracy CMOS smart temperature sensors. In 2000, he worked for Philips Semiconductors, Sunnyvale, California, on circuit design for a smart temperature sensor. From 1997 to 1999 he worked part-time for EARS B.V., Delft, The Netherlands, on the production and development of a handheld photosynthesis meter. His research interests include analog and mixed-signal interface electronics and smart sensors.