by Dr. Andreas Winkler, Leibniz Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden, Germany
14.06.2018, 17:00 h, TF, Aquarium
Abstract
Since several decades, surface acoustic waves have been excited via interdigital transducers on piezoelectric chips with high accuracy and reproducibility. The first generation of such technological devices, namely radio-frequency filter elements including transversal filters and resonators, became a substantial piece for the operation of any wireless electronic device. In this field, progress is mainly related to migration-resistant materials, improved lithography techniques and advanced transducer design for increased frequency operation as well as to realize transfer functions of higher complexity. In addition, very promising SAW applications in the fields of sensors and actuators have been demonstrated in labs around the world within the last 20 years. These already include wireless, self-sufficient sensors and ID-tags, lab-on-a-chip devices for fundamental microfluidic tasks and on-chip aerosol generators. In contrast to their pure electro-mechanic ancestors, these devices interact with gases or complex (bio-)fluids or have to resist harsh environmental conditions. Thus, they require a completely different and a comprehensive scientific approach, which currently hinders their commercialization. In this presentation, promising applications of SAW devices are highlighted together with the most critical requirements related to the materials involved, energy efficiency issues and technology concepts.