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Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices
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Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 7227

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chen Fu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Interests: piezoelectric thin films; acoustic microdevices
Dr. Sami Ramadan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Interests: biosensor; bioelectronics; MEMS; 2D biomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Acoustic wave devices are instrumental in various applications, leveraging the sensing potential of acoustic waves for precise and sensitive measurements. Acoustic wave devices, such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, operate based on the propagation of mechanical waves through a substrate material. These devices exploit the interaction between acoustic waves and the material properties to enable sensing capabilities. Changes in the physical or chemical properties of the material in contact with the acoustic wave can lead to detectable alterations in the wave characteristics, allowing for precise measurements. In addition, acoustic wave devices based on MEMS fabrication technology can be miniaturized, allowing for compact and portable sensing systems to be developed. Integration with microelectronics enables the creation of sensor arrays and multi-sensor platforms for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Acoustic wave devices are widely employed in gas and chemical, biosensing sensing, temperature, and pressure sensing applications due to their sensitivity, fast response times, and miniaturization capabilities. This Special Issue explores acoustic wave sensing technology's latest advancements and applications. We invite original research papers and review articles showcasing significant developments in these fields. Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Capacitive Acoustic Wave Sensor;
  • Piezoelectric Acoustic Wave Sensor;
  • MEMS Acoustic Wave Sensor;
  • Fiber-Optic Acoustic Wave Sensor;
  • Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensor;
  • Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) Sensor;
  • Acoustic Emission Sensor;
  • Microphone;
  • Ultrasonic Sensor;
  • Infrasonic Sensor;
  • Sonar Sensor;
  • Acoustic Camera.

Dr. Chen Fu
Dr. Sami Ramadan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • acoustic wave sensors
  • acoustic emission sensors
  • ultrasonic sensors

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4741 KiB  
Article
Light-Activated Room Temperature Surface Acoustic Wave H2S Sensor Based on Bi2S3 Nanoribbons
by Chong Li, Sami Ramadan, Hao Kan and Lina Wang
Sensors 2025, 25(4), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25041122 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has rendered wireless passive, highly stable, and room-temperature gas sensors indispensable for sensor applications. In this work, a room-temperature surface acoustic wave (SAW) H2S sensor based on a thin film of nano-mesh woven [...] Read more.
The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has rendered wireless passive, highly stable, and room-temperature gas sensors indispensable for sensor applications. In this work, a room-temperature surface acoustic wave (SAW) H2S sensor based on a thin film of nano-mesh woven with Bi2S3 nanoribbons was successfully designed and prepared. The impact of varying inorganic salts solution ligand substitution of long-chain organic ligands of Bi2S3 films on performance was assessed. Notably, the responses of the sensors following ligand substitution exhibited improvement to varying degrees. In particular, the Cu(NO3)2-treated sensor to 10 ppm H2S was 203% of that of the untreated sensor. Furthermore, the impact of visible light activation on sensor performance was assessed. The results show the sensor has a high sensitivity to H2S molecules under yellow light activation at room temperature, with excellent selectivity, fast response speed and low detection limit. The sensor exhibited a response to 10 ppm H2S under yellow light activation that was approximately equal ~ two times greater than the response observed in a dark environment. This work provides a novel approach to enhance the performance of room-temperature SAW H2S sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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14 pages, 3387 KiB  
Article
Real-Time and Ultrasensitive Prostate-Specific Antigen Sensing Using Love-Mode Surface Acoustic Wave Immunosensor Based on MoS2@Cu2O-Au Nanocomposites
by Yan Yu, Haiyu Xie, Tao Zhou, Haonan Zhang, Chenze Lu, Ran Tao, Zhaozhao Tang and Jingting Luo
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7636; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237636 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a well-established tumour marker for prostatic carcinoma. In this study, we present a novel, real-time, and ultrasensitive Love-mode surface acoustic wave (L-SAW) immunosensor for PSA detection enhanced by MoS2@Cu2O-Au nanocomposite conjugation. The MoS2@Cu [...] Read more.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a well-established tumour marker for prostatic carcinoma. In this study, we present a novel, real-time, and ultrasensitive Love-mode surface acoustic wave (L-SAW) immunosensor for PSA detection enhanced by MoS2@Cu2O-Au nanocomposite conjugation. The MoS2@Cu2O-Au nanocomposites were analyzed by SEM, XRD, and EDS. The experiments show a significant improvement in sensitivity and detection limit compared with the previous detection methods utilizing nanogold alone to detect PSA biomolecules. The experimental results show a good linear relationship when the range of PSA concentrations between 200 pg/mL and 5 ng/mL was tested. The experimental results also show good specificity against alpha 1 fetoprotein and L-tryptophan disruptors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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11 pages, 2264 KiB  
Article
Development of Highly Efficient Lamb Wave Transducers toward Dual-Surface Simultaneous Atomization
by Chenhui Gai, Qinghe Ma, Jia Ning, Yizhan Ding, Yulin Lei, Honggeng Li, Chunhua Guo and Hong Hu
Sensors 2024, 24(17), 5607; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24175607 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 943
Abstract
Highly efficient surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducers offer significant advantages for microfluidic atomization. Aiming at highly efficient atomization, we innovatively accomplish dual-surface simultaneous atomization by strategically positioning the liquid supply outside the IDT aperture edge. Initially, we optimize Lamb wave transducers and specifically [...] Read more.
Highly efficient surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducers offer significant advantages for microfluidic atomization. Aiming at highly efficient atomization, we innovatively accomplish dual-surface simultaneous atomization by strategically positioning the liquid supply outside the IDT aperture edge. Initially, we optimize Lamb wave transducers and specifically investigate their performance based on the ratio of substrate thickness to acoustic wavelength. When this ratio h/λ is approximately 1.25, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of A0-mode Lamb waves can reach around 5.5% for 128° Y-X LiNbO3. We then study the mechanism of droplet atomization with the liquid supply positioned outside the IDT aperture edge. Experimental results demonstrate that optimized Lamb wave transducers exhibit clear dual-surface simultaneous atomization. These transducers provide equivalent amplitude acoustic wave vibrations on both surfaces, causing the liquid thin film to accumulate at the edges of the dual-surface and form a continuous mist. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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23 pages, 18332 KiB  
Article
New Solid-State Acoustic Motion Sensors: Sensing Potential Estimation for Different Piezo Plate Materials
by Michail Shevelko, Andrey Baranov, Ekaterina Popkova, Yasemin Staroverova, Aleksandr Peregudov, Alexander Kukaev and Sergey Shevchenko
Sensors 2024, 24(13), 4271; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24134271 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
The present paper discusses the scientific and technical problem of optimizing the design and characteristics of a new type of solid-state sensors for motion parameters on bulk acoustic waves in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and the detectability of an informative signal [...] Read more.
The present paper discusses the scientific and technical problem of optimizing the design and characteristics of a new type of solid-state sensors for motion parameters on bulk acoustic waves in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and the detectability of an informative signal against the background of its own noise and interference. Criteria for choosing materials for structural elements, including piezoelectric transducers of the sensitive element, were identified; a corresponding numerical simulation was performed using the developed program; and experimental studies according to the suggested method were carried out to validate the obtained analytical and calculated positions. The experimental results revealed the correctness of the chosen criteria for the optimization of design parameters and characteristics, demonstrated the high correlation between the results of modeling and field studies, and, thus, confirmed the prospects of using this new type of solid-state acoustic sensors of motion parameters in the navigation and control systems of highly dynamic objects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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17 pages, 2842 KiB  
Article
FEM Modeling Strategies: Application to Mechanical and Dielectric Sensitivities of Love Wave Devices in Liquid Medium
by Maxence Rube, Ollivier Tamarin, Asawari Choudhari, Martine Sebeloue, Dominique Rebiere and Corinne Dejous
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 2976; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24102976 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1439
Abstract
This paper presents an extended work on the Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of Love Wave (LW) sensors in a liquid medium. Two models are proposed to simulate the multiphysical response of the sensor. Both are extensively described in terms of principle, composition [...] Read more.
This paper presents an extended work on the Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of Love Wave (LW) sensors in a liquid medium. Two models are proposed to simulate the multiphysical response of the sensor. Both are extensively described in terms of principle, composition and behavior, making their applications easily reproducible by the sensor community. The first model is a Representative Volume Element (RVE) simulating the transducer and the second focuses on the sensor’s longitudinal (OXZ) cut which simulates the multiphysical responses of the device. Sensitivity of the LW device to variations in the rheological and dielectric properties of liquids is estimated and then compared to a large set of measurements issued from LW sensors presenting different technological characteristics. This integral approach allows for a deeper insight into the multiphysical behavior of the LW sensor. This article also explores the advantages and drawbacks of each model. Both are in good accordance with the measurements and could be used for various applications, for which a non-exhaustive list is proposed in the conclusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 5118 KiB  
Review
A Review of Recent Advances in Unidirectional Ultrasonic Guided Wave Techniques for Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation
by Ali Abuassal, Lei Kang, Lucas Martinho, Alan Kubrusly, Steve Dixon, Edward Smart, Hongjie Ma and David Sanders
Sensors 2025, 25(4), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25041050 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
Unidirectional ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) play a crucial role in the nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) domains, offering unique advantages in detecting material defects, evaluating structural integrity, and improving the accuracy of thickness measurements. This review paper thoroughly studies the state of the [...] Read more.
Unidirectional ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) play a crucial role in the nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) domains, offering unique advantages in detecting material defects, evaluating structural integrity, and improving the accuracy of thickness measurements. This review paper thoroughly studies the state of the art of unidirectional UGWs before presenting a comprehensive review of the foundational mathematical principles of unidirectional UGWs, focusing on the recent advancements in their methodologies and applications. This review introduces ultrasonic guided waves and their modes before looking at mode excitability and selectivity, signal excitation, and mechanisms used to generate and receive guided waves unidirectionally. This paper outlines the applications of unidirectional UGWs to reflect their effectiveness, for instance, in measuring thickness and in identifying defects such as cracks and corrosion in pipelines, etc. The paper also studies the challenges associated with unidirectional UGW generation and utilisation, such as multi-mode and side lobes. It includes a review of the literature to mitigate these challenges. Finally, this paper highlights promising future perspectives and develops directions for the technique. This review aims to create a useful resource for researchers and practitioners to comprehend unidirectional ultrasonic guided waves’ capabilities, challenges, and prospects in NDT&E applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Sensing Potential of Acoustic Wave Devices)
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