Acoustic Wave Sensor
Introduction
Acoustic Wave Sensors (AWS) are advanced sensing devices that utilize sound or acoustic waves to detect physical, chemical, or biological changes in a medium. These sensors operate based on the propagation of acoustic waves across or through a material, where any change in mass, pressure, temperature, or other properties alters the wave characteristics.
Owing to their high sensitivity, compact design, and ability to operate without direct contact, acoustic wave sensors have become crucial in industries such as healthcare, automotive, environmental monitoring, defense, and industrial automation.
Working Principle
Acoustic wave sensors operate by generating acoustic waves using a piezoelectric material—typically quartz, lithium niobate, or lithium tantalate. When these waves travel across or through the sensing surface, external stimuli (like gas concentration, pressure, or temperature) alter the wave’s frequency, amplitude, or velocity.