Patent ID: 6901802
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: G01H

Abstract:
1. A sensor for detecting acoustic energy, comprising: a microstructure having a natural resonant acoustic frequency, said microstructure having first and second layers being formed from first and second materials respectively, said first material having a physical response in reaction to at least one form of energy other than acoustic energy that is different from a physical response of said second material in reaction to said at least one form of energy other than acoustic energy; wherein exposing said microstructure to said at least one form of energy other than acoustic energy causes said first and second layers to respond differently physically, creating physical stresses within said microstructure that change the resonant acoustic frequency of said microstructure from said natural resonant acoustic frequency to a predetermined resonant acoustic frequency; means for detecting movement of said microstructure; means for tuning said microstructure; and a display device operatively linked to said detecting means, whereby when acoustic energy strikes said sensor, acoustic energy having a frequency corresponding to said predetermined resonant frequency moves said microstructure, which said movement is detected by said detecting means.