Patent ID: 6059937
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A process for manufacturing a sensor for detecting methane gas using a tin oxide thin film, comprising the steps of(A) depositing SiO.sub.2 with a mixed gas of argon and oxygen on a Si base plate by ion beam sputtering to form a SiO.sub.2 layer;(B) synthesizing and depositing a SnO.sub.2 thin film on the SiO.sub.2 layer by using a hybrid ion beam from a metal ion gun and an oxygen gas ion gun; wherein the hybrid ion beam has an energy of from 0 to 500 eV;(C) depositing a platinum electrode on the SnO.sub.2 thin film;(D) heat treating said platinum electrode at 500.degree. C. in ambient atmospheric air; and(E) adding platinum or palladium to the SnO.sub.2 thin film by ion beam sputtering to produce a metal catalyst.