ST Quartz Acoustic Wave Sensors with Sectional Guiding Layers

Michael I Newton

doi:10.3390/s8074384

Abstract

We report the effect of removing a section of guiding layer from the propagation paths of ST-quartz Love wave sensors; this offers the ease of fabrication of a polymer guiding layer whilst retaining the native surface of the quartz which may then be used for the attachment of a sensitizing layer. Data is presented for rigid and viscous loading, which indicates a small reduction in mass sensitivity compared to a Love wave device. Biosensing capabilities of these discontinuous ‘sectional’ guiding layer devices are demonstrated using protein adsorption from solution.

Highlights

Recurring drought and wildfire are widespread stressor and disturbance events that affect forest ecosystem functioning and processes and can result in significant soil erosion, and changes in land cover and carbon dynamics
Current climate variability coupled with a buildup of forest fuel loads in the Southwestern US has resulted in an increasing number of large and severe wildfires [1]
Fire severity data along with associated biophysical and phenological characteristics provide an analytical basis for assessing future resources, the risks posed by invasive species, and threats to biodiversity

Summary

Introduction

Recurring drought and wildfire are widespread stressor and disturbance events that affect forest ecosystem functioning and processes and can result in significant soil erosion, and changes in land cover and carbon dynamics. Current climate variability coupled with a buildup of forest fuel loads in the Southwestern US has resulted in an increasing number of large and severe wildfires [1]. There is a need to develop tools to evaluate post fire recovery trajectories and assess the effectiveness of land management decisions. The use of fire severity and vegetation recovery data, at local, state and national levels, could provide a baseline that can be used to monitor vegetation recovery and the health of fire affected landscapes over time. Fire severity data along with associated biophysical and phenological characteristics provide an analytical basis for assessing future resources, the risks posed by invasive species, and threats to biodiversity

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