Nanoscale sensing devices for turbulence measurements

Abstract

A collection of nanoscale sensing devices developed specifically for high-frequency turbulence measurements is presented. The new sensors are all derived from the nanoscale thermal anemometry probe (NSTAP), which uses a free-standing platinum wire as active sensing element. Each sensor is designed and fabricated to measure a specific quantity and can be customized for special applications. In addition to the original NSTAP (for single-component velocity measurement), the new sensors include the T-NSTAP (for temperature measurement), the x-NSTAP (for two-component velocity measurement), and the q-NSTAP (for humidity measurement). This article provides a summary of the NSTAP family including details of design and fabrication as well as presentation of flow measurements using these sensors. Also, a custom-made constant-temperature anemometer that allows proper operation of the NSTAP sensors will be introduced.