초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for rapidly and continuously restoring the sensing capacity of thin film sensing elements includes passing a sufficient electrical current through the sensing element to remove from the element selected components from a fluid sample in contact with the sensing element that ha

A method and apparatus for rapidly and continuously restoring the sensing capacity of thin film sensing elements includes passing a sufficient electrical current through the sensing element to remove from the element selected components from a fluid sample in contact with the sensing element that have an affinity for and are adsorbed and accumulated onto the surface of the sensing element. The passing of current through the sensing element can be accomplished either by applying a constant voltage across the sensing element or by forcing a constant current through the sensing element. The restoration technique removes the components from the sensing element by a combination of resistive heating of the element and electron bombardment of the components on the surface of the element. Moreover, to prevent possible rupture of the sensing element due to electromigration, the current may be alternated in a first direction and then in a second and opposite direction through the sensing element in sequential runs of equal predetermined time intervals.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for restoring the sensing capacity of an electrically conductive thin metal film sensing element having a first and second node employed for detection of a predetermined component in a fluid mixture the sensing element having a sensing current passing therethroug

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for restoring the sensing capacity of an electrically conductive thin metal film sensing element having a first and second node employed for detection of a predetermined component in a fluid mixture the sensing element having a sensing current passing therethrough, wherein the predetermined component is accumulated on the surface of the sensing element, comprising the steps of:passing a regeneration electrical current which is greater than the sensing current through the sensing element between the first and second node for a predetermined time interval, wherein a potential is created between the first and second node; andheating the sensing element via the regeneration electric current to a temperature sufficient to cleanse the component from the sensing element, wherein the sensing element performs the heating function.