Method and system for sensing environmental characteristics
OwnerGrover C. Wetselinventor
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Abstract
A system for sensing characteristics of the environment is disclosed. Sensors utilize exponential growth of a signal initiated by interaction of a sensor element with characteristics of the environment. Specific substances in the environment can be detected. The sensor element may be intrinsically sensitive to the specific substance or can be coated with a material that is sensitive to the specific substance. The sensor component is designed such that it can be made to cause exponential growth of a system signal. The exponential growth of the sensor signal is produced by parametric amplification.
Claims17
A parametric amplification system comprising:
- a dither transducer;
- a pump transducer;
- an elastic rod connected between the dither and pump transducers;
- and means for measuring motion of the rod.
An environmental sensor including a parametric amplifier which exhibits exponential temporal growth when exposed to an environmental characteristic.
A method of detecting an environmental characteristic comprising:
- exposing a sensor to an environment;
- and
- monitoring exponential temporal growth of a signal generated by the sensor upon exposure to the environmental characteristic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.