Superior analytical sensitivity of electromagnetic excitation compared to contact electrode instigation of transverse acoustic waves

Quartz disks incorporated into an electrolyte flow-through configuration have been excited by both direct electrode contact and electromagnetic fields to generate propagating transverse acoustic waves in to the fluid. The conventional thickness-mode device was operated at the first harmonic (9 MHz) whereas the EM excited structure functioned successfully at 453 MHz (nominal 49th harmonic). The nature of signals produced by the two devices and potential contributions to noise are evaluated. A comparison of the response of the higher frequency sensor to the introduction of the protein neutravidin to the system reveals at least a seven times higher signal-to-noise ratio than is the result for the conventional bulk-acoustic wave structure. This increase in sensitivity coupled with the possibilities for tuning the frequency of the electromagnetic device and its potential for non-contact excitation offer significant advantages in terms of analytical sensor technology.