Dielectric spectroscopy sensing apparatus and method of use

A dielectric spectroscopy (DS) sensing apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a test volume between a first surface and an opposing second surface spaced from the first surface a distance that allows a fluid to enter the test volume from a fluid inlet, which is communicatively coupled with the test volume, via capillary action;
• and
• electrodes provided on the body including a first sensing electrode on the first surface and configured to receive an input radio frequency (RF) signal, a second sensing electrode on the first surface spaced from the first sensing electrode and configured to deliver an output RF signal, and a floating electrode on the second surface, wherein the first sensing electrode includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end, the second sensing electrode includes a first terminal end and a second terminal end,
• wherein the body defines pin openings positioned to expose the second terminal end of the first sensing electrode and the second terminal end of the second sensing electrode to an exterior of the DS sensing apparatus such that the second terminal end of the first sensing electrode and the second terminal end of the second sensing electrode are accessible to an analyzer device, and
• wherein the pin openings are positioned on an opposite side of a liquid-tight seal as compared to the test volume.

A dielectric spectroscopy (DS) sensing apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a test volume between a first surface and an opposing second surface spaced from the first surface a distance that allows a fluid to enter the test volume from a fluid inlet, which is communicatively coupled with the test volume, via capillary action;
• and
• electrodes provided on the body including a first sensing electrode on the first surface and configured to receive an input radio frequency (RF) signal, a second sensing electrode on the first surface spaced from the first sensing electrode and configured to deliver an output RF signal, and a floating electrode on the second surface,
• wherein the body includes a first end portion and a second end portion, and the fluid inlet is defined by a cantilever portion extending from the body as part of the second body end portion, the cantilever portion including a first fin and a second fin,
• wherein the first fin extends the first surface from the body, and the second fin extends the second surface from the body, and
• wherein the second body end portion includes a neck down portion defined by a pedestal surface on the second body end portion and the fluid inlet.

A dielectric spectroscopy (DS) sensing apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a test volume between a first surface and an opposing second surface spaced from the first surface a distance that allows a fluid to enter the test volume from a fluid inlet, which is communicatively coupled with the test volume, via capillary action;
• electrodes provided on the body including a first sensing electrode on the first surface and configured to receive an input radio frequency (RF) signal, a second sensing electrode on the first surface spaced from the first sensing electrode and configured to deliver an output RF signal, and a floating electrode on the second surface;
• and
• a heater, wherein the heater is positioned on an opposite side of a liquid-tight seal as compared to the test volume so as to preclude liquid from contacting the heater.

A dielectric spectroscopy (DS) sensing apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a test volume between a first surface and an opposing second surface spaced from the first surface a distance that allows a fluid to enter the test volume from a fluid inlet, which is communicatively coupled with the test volume, via capillary action;
• and
• electrodes provided on the body including a first sensing electrode on the first surface and configured to receive an input radio frequency (RF) signal, a second sensing electrode on the first surface spaced from the first sensing electrode and configured to deliver an output RF signal, and a floating electrode on the second surface;
• and
• a heater, wherein the body is formed from an upper body portion and a lower body portion and the heater is disposed on a support that is one of a printed circuit board interposed between the upper body and the lower body, and a flex circuit interposed between the upper body and the lower body, disposed over a raised portion of at least one of the upper body and lower body, and received in a cavity formed in the other of the upper body and the lower body.