In the quest for effective gas sensors for breath analysis, magnetoelastic resonance-based gas sensors (MEGSs) are remarkable candidates. Thanks to their intrinsic contactless operation, they can be used as non-invasive and portable devices. However, traditional monitoring techniques are bound to slow detection, which hinders their application to fast bio-related reactions. Here we present a method for real-time monitoring of the resonance frequency, with a proof of concept for real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers based on resonance frequency. This method was validated with a MEGS based on a Metglass 2826 MB microribbon with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiber electrospun functionalization. The device provided a low-noise (RMS = 1.7 Hz), fast (<2 min), and highly reproducible response to humidity (Δf = 46–182 Hz for 17–95% RH), ammonia (Δf = 112 Hz for 40 ppm), and acetone (Δf = 44 Hz for 40 ppm). These analytes are highly important in biomedical applications, particularly ammonia and acetone, which are biomarkers related to diseases such as diabetes. Furthermore, the capability of distinguishing between breath and regular air was demonstrated with real breath measurements. The sensor also exhibited strong resistance to benzene, a common gaseous interferent in breath analysis.
A magnetic surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor is built by growing a 100 nm galfenol (Fe72Ga28) film by sputtering between the interdigitated transducers of a SAW delay line. Love waves are produced when the shear waves excited on the piezoelectric substrate are guided by a 3.1 μm layer of amorphous SiO2. Due to the magnetostrictive nature of galfenol deposited on top, the application of magnetic fields modulates the propagation of the mechanical excitations along the sensor by the strain coupling. By introducing the delay line in a feedback loop circuit, these changes are studied as resonant frequency variations. Magnetic field cycles of ±40 mT are applied to the sample and the resonant frequency shift is tracked simultaneously. The sensor exhibited hysteretic frequency behavior that depends on the orientation of the applied magnetic field relative to the direction of Love wave propagation. In the configuration in which the wave vector and the applied field form an angle of 45°, the resonant frequency seems to increase with the magnetization induced by the external field. When the wave vector propagation is parallel to the field, two positive peaks appear close to the coercive field of the film, which has not been reported before. This is probably due to a more complex relationship between the acoustic wave and the magnetic state of the film which could be exploited to give rise to new models of magnetic sensors.
A Love wave device is designed to generate surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with strong shear‐horizontal polarization, interacting with a polycrystalline Fe72Ga28 magnetostrictive layer. The shear strain induced by these waves at a frequency of ≈160 MHz, coupled with magnetoelastic effects, leads to domain magnetization oscillation, resulting in unique responses that are particularly pronounced near the coercive field. Experimental results reveal that the response of the sensor is highly sensitive to the angle between the applied magnetic field and the wave propagation direction, with profiles that can vary significantly depending on this angle, with some configurations resulting in practically opposite responses. A particularly relevant case arises when the magnetic field is aligned with the Love wave propagation direction. In this case, the sensor response shows mainly a monotonic increase with the magnetic field, except near the coercive field, where a sharp peak emerges and then abruptly collapses, resulting in a magnetic sensitivity of ≈5 Hz/nT (0.031 ppm nT−1). This high sensitivity near the coercive field opens the door to the development of high‐performance sensors, simplifying electronics while leveraging the key advantages of SAW technology, including low power consumption, compact size, real‐time response, and portability. A theoretical model is also discussed to further understand the underlying phenomena and optimize the design of next‐generation devices, which hold significant potential for sensor applications across various fields.
This study explores the advanced mathematical modeling of electromagnetic energy harvesting in vehicle suspension systems, addressing the pressing need for sustainable transportation and improved energy efficiency. We focus on the complex challenge posed by the non-linear behavior of magnetic flux in relation to displacement, a critical aspect often overlooked in conventional approaches. Utilizing Taylor expansion and Fourier analysis, we dissect the intricate relationship between oscillation and electromagnetic damping, crucial for optimizing energy recovery. Our rigorous mathematical methodology enables the precise calculation of the average power per cycle and unit mass, providing a robust metric for evaluating the effectiveness of energy harvesting. Further, the study extends to the practical application in a combined system of passive and electromagnetic suspension, demonstrating the real-world viability of our theoretical findings. This research not only offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing vehicle efficiency through advanced suspension systems but also sets a precedent for the integration of complex mathematical techniques in solving real-world engineering challenges, contributing significantly to the future of energy-efficient automotive technologies. The cases reviewed in this article and listed as references are those commonly found in the literature.