Patent ID: 7425453
Filing Date: 2008-09-16
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A sensing method comprising the steps of: providing a Fabry-Perot cavity, including a pair of partially transmissive, partially reflective, surfaces wherein a first of said surfaces is flexibly suspended adjacent and parallel to a second of said surfaces so that a gap exists therebetween; providing a source of variable electrostatic potential for providing a selected electrostatic potential between said first and second surfaces so that said gap is adjustable; providing a translucent chemical layer on said flexibly suspended first surface outside of said gap; providing a photosensor attached to said second surface outside of said gap; and providing a source of light, said light for irradiating said photosensor through said chemical layer and said first and second surfaces wherein said light is also partially reflected between said surfaces; providing a sensing environment wherein an agent undergoes a reaction with said chemical layer and a reference environment wherein said reaction does not occur; measuring a change in spectrum of an output of said photosensor between said sensing environment and said reference environment; and measuring a change in spectral intensity of said output of said photosensor between said sensing environment and said reference environment; wherein said gap and said light are selected to provide a desired output of said photosensor.