Patent ID: 6423272
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A fluid sensing device comprising a substrate on which at least one type of a discotic liquid crystal (DLC) comprising a film having a thickness of less than one micrometer is arranged to form an array of columnar structures, said array of columnar structures having an upper part adapted for interaction with a fluid to be sensed,contact means comprising a plurality electrodes which are positioned on opposing sides of said array of columnar structures so that an electric charge applied to at least one electrode flows generally across a surface of the upper part of said array of columnar structures in a direction substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of said columnar structures, wherein said fluid sensing device measures a change in the flow of electric charge caused by a change in surface conductivity across the surface of the upper part of said array of columnar structures, said change representing the interaction of said fluid to be sensed with the surface of the upper part of said array of columnar structures.