Highly sensitive mass detection and identification using vibration localization in coupled microcantilever arrays

Matthew A. Spletzer, Purdue University - Main Campus
Arvind Raman, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Hartono Sumali, Applied Mechanics Development Department, Sandia National Laboratories
John P. Sullivan, Center for Integrated Nanotechnology Science Department, Sandia National Laboratories

Abstract

We study the use of vibration localization in large arrays of mechanically coupled, nearly identical microcantilevers for ultrasensitive mass detection and identification. We demonstrate that eigenmode changes in such an array can be two to three orders of magnitude greater than relative changes in resonance frequencies when an analyte mass is added. Moreover, the changes in eigenmodes are unique to the cantilever to which mass is added, thereby providing a characteristic "fingerprint" that identifies the particular cantilever where mass has been added. This opens the door to ultrasensitive detection and identification of multiple analytes with a single coupled array.