Sensitivity enhancement using parametric amplification in a resonant sensing array

Abstract

In this work we describe the parametric amplification of a multi-degree of freedom resonant chemical mass sensing array. We experimentally demonstrate that parametric forcing can be employed to increase the effective resonant quality factor of the array structure via an applied base motion containing the appropriate frequency content. Applying parametric forcing in this manner is simple and aligns naturally with the vibrational properties of the sensing structure. Our effort to increase the effective quality factor is motivated by the desire to enhance the sensitivity of the device.