Miniaturized differential scanning calorimeter with an integrated mass sensingsystem: first steps

In this paper, the first steps towards integrating a mass sensing system into an existing miniaturized ceramic DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) chip are presented. A vibration setup is developed based on the mass-dependent change in frequency of the DSC chip as an oscillating cantilever. A simulation model reveals that the resolution of the measurement can be improved by reducing the chip thickness. In this study, different measurement methods (acoustic, optical, and piezoresistive) are investigated. Three complete measurement systems are set up and evaluated with regard to their integration in the DSC chip. All presented measurement methods show promising results and already allow mass measurements with a resolution of 100 mu g.