Data analysis for chemical sensor arrays

Abstract

Arrays were introduced in the mid-eighties as a method to counteract the cross-selectivity of gas sensors. Their use has since become a common practice in sensor applications [1]. The great advantage of this technique is that once arrays are matched with proper multivariate data analysis, the use of non-selective sensors for practical applications becomes possible. Again in the eighties, Persaud and Dodds argued that such arrays has a very close connection with mammalian olfaction systems. This conjecture opened the way to the advent of electronic noses [2], a popular name for chemical sensor arrays used for qualitative analysis of complex samples. © 2006 Springer.