Revistas
Revista:
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
ISSN:
1530-437X
Año:
2023
Vol.:
23
N°:
2
Págs.:
1592 - 1600
This article presents a method for determining the vacuum state in vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) based on the Pirani approach. The method relies on exploiting eddy currents (ECs) over a low-cost sheet of iron (target) embedded inside the VCB, which is fixed to the shield of the VCB by a single welding point. This target and its assembly are compatible both with a low-cost manufacturing process and also with the specific fabrication and operating conditions of the VCB. ECs are used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature variation of the target during its cooling. A model based on two exponential kernels has been developed to identify the vacuum state from the cooling kinetics. An experimental setup has been developed to assess the potential performance of the method. The proposed approach is able to discriminate pressures below and above the reliable operating point in VCBs of 10(-1) Pa.
Revista:
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
ISSN:
0018-9456
Año:
2021
Vol.:
70
Págs.:
6000912
A new technique to calculate an equivalent indirect hysteresis loop, B-ec-H loop, from the distortion of the voltage measured in the magnetic excitation coil is proposed. The aim is to facilitate the industrial implementation of magnetic characterization reducing hardware and error sources of the measuring system, as pick-up coils and their conditioning stages are not necessary. With the B-ec-H technique, the characterization of two sets of materials with very different properties using a simplified electromagnetic system has been achieved. Specifically, the change in the microstructure of annealed low-carbon steel samples was monitored and the hardness of ultrahigh steel sheets was characterized. Moreover, the conventional hysteresis cycles and Bec-H loops are compared, and the obtained lineal relationships between the parameters derived from conventional hysteresis and B-ec-H loops verify that the B-ec-H loops can provide equivalent parameters for magnetic characterization of steel samples as conventional hysteresis loops.
Revista:
MEASUREMENT
ISSN:
0263-2241
The distortion analysis of magnetic excitation (DAME) method has been recently proposed to facilitate magnetic measurements for non-destructive testing in which pick-up coils are not necessary. This method is based on the distortion effect that the permeability of the sample generates on the voltage across the excitation coil. The aims of the method presented in the present paper are to amplify this distortion effect using a current mode-controlled magnetization and to extract a distortion signal, of high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), from the voltage measured in the excitation coil by means of a demodulation technique. This methodology is applied to different skin passed steels to characterize the elongation level, which is still a challenge for conventional non-destructive electromagnetic techniques. The relationships between the parameters derived from the distortion and from the hysteresis are studied. Measurements according to the DAME method are performed to verify the improvement in sensitivity for magnetic characterization.
Revista:
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
ISSN:
0018-9456
Año:
2021
Vol.:
70
Págs.:
6009711
The equivalent indirect hysteresis cycle (B-ec-H cycle) obtained from the distortion of the voltage measured in the excitation coil facilitates the implementation of magnetic nondestructive characterization systems reducing hardware and error sources, as pick-up coils and their conditioning stages are not necessary. The aim of this article is to propose a sine-fitting (SF) algorithm in order to obtain the B-ec-H cycles for nondestructive testing applications. Although the parameters of B-ec-H cycles are not an accurate measurement of magnetic properties, they are equivalent to those of the indirect hysteresis cycles and thus are sensitive to different material processing variables. The B-ec-H cycles of low carbon, dual phase, and ultrahigh strength steels obtained using SF and synchronous demodulation (SD) algorithms are compared. The parameters of B-ec-H cycles obtained using the SF algorithm evidence greater sensitivity to material processing variables and are linearly correlated with parameters of indirect hysteresis cycles.
Autores:
Oblak, E.; Riego, P.; García-Manso, A.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
ISSN:
0022-3727
Año:
2020
Vol.:
53
N°:
20
Págs.:
205001
We present a new methodology that enables a significant sensitivity improvement for transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) detection. For this purpose, we developed a novel measurement scheme, in which the polarization detection conditions are changed during the measurement sequence in a pre-defined way. An analytical expression of the associated T-MOKE signal pattern was derived, which allowed us to analyze and classify our experimental data in a straightforward way. Furthermore, this new measurement approach enables the identification of noise and false background signals that might be generated by the sample under investigation, the environment or the detection system itself and it provides a pathway to unambiguously separate all these effects from true T-MOKE signals. These capabilities significantly increase the sensitivity and robustness of T-MOKE detection. The method enabled us to measure magneto-optical signals for samples that are paramagnetic at room temperature or exhibit really small magneto-optical responses, even in the presence of false signals that were far larger in size. Our new methodology was integrated into a scanning wafer tool, which allows for nondestructive, laterally resolved surface characterization measurements and even has the capability of measuring optical and magneto-optical properties simultaneously.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
ISSN:
0021-8979
Año:
2018
Vol.:
123
N°:
3
Using nondestructive techniques to quantitatively estimate residual stresses along the depth is necessary to improve the ability to predict the real fatigue life of pieces for many applications. Magnetic Barkhausen noise has been proven to successfully estimate the residual stress at the surface produced by machining, plastic deformation, phase transformation or surface treatments such as shot peening, also allowing one to obtain information of the residual stress depth-profile in shot peened pieces which presented similar depth-profile shapes. However, residual stress depth-profiles with nonmonotonic or different shapes have not been successfully estimated. In the present study, an extended approach is developed in order to estimate these stresses independent of the shape of the residual stress depth-profile. The approach proposed here improves an existing model of the Barkhausen noise spectrum (Kypris-Jiles model) by adding the effect of the attenuation of the applied magnetic field on the Barkhausen noise. This extended approach is used to estimate the residual stress depth-profiles of samples with different depth-profiles using a calibration process. The approach is validated by estimating the residual stress depth-profiles, with errors smaller than 70 MPa in a depth of 130 mu m, in all the samples studied.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
ISSN:
0195-9298
The quality of the ball screw shafts used in the aeronautical sector has to be controlled and certified with the most advanced non-destructive techniques. The capacity of magnetic Barkhausen noise(MBN) as a non-destructive technique to control the quality of ball screw shafts by assuring the appropriate induction hardened layer depth and detecting local overheated regions, known as grinding burns, which may occur during grinding processes is shown in the present work. Magnetic Barkhausen noise measurements were made with a system designed and implemented by the authors and the derived parameters were compared with microhardness measurements made at various depths after the different induction hardening treatments and the grinding processes were applied. A multiparametric study of the MBN signal as a function of the magnetic field in the surface of the sample is done in order to estimate the thickness of the hardened layer and to detect the grinding burns produced during grinding processes. The hardened layer thickness can be characterized with an error of +/- 200 mu m in the range between 150 and 2500 mu m by the position of the first peak of the MBN envelope in terms of the tangential magnetic field measured at the surface and the grinding burns can be detected with the position of the second peak of the MBN envelope in terms of the tangential magnetic field measured at the surface.
Autores:
Oblak, E. (Autor de correspondencia); Riego, P. ; Fallarino, L.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
ISSN:
0022-3727
Año:
2017
Vol.:
50
N°:
23
Págs.:
205001
We perform a detailed comparative study of conventional transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) measurements and a methodology that utilizes an effective polarization detection scheme for mixed s- and p-polarized incoming light. To test the ultimate sensitivity of both methods, we also design a series of specialized samples in which the T-MOKE signal of a Co-film is artificially reduced by means of a Ag overcoat of varying thickness. We find that the effective polarization detection scheme leads to a more than 30-fold increase of the T-MOKE signal and signal-to-noise ratio, even under general operation conditions which were not individually optimized. This allowed for the observation of T-MOKE hysteresis loops of Co-films that were buried under 80 nm of Ag, for which the MOKE signal was only 1/600 of that for an uncoated Co-film. In comparison, conventional T-MOKE measurements did not succeed for Ag overcoats thicker than 40 nm.
Autores:
Zuzuarregui, A.; Souto, D.; Pérez, Eva ; et al.
Revista:
ANALYST
ISSN:
0003-2654
Año:
2015
Vol.:
140
N°:
2
Págs.:
654 - 660
This paper describes the design, implementation and validation of a sensitive and integral technology solution for endotoxin detection. The unified and portable platform is based on the electrochemical detection of endotoxins using a synthetic peptide immobilized on a thin-film biosensor. The work covers the fabrication of an optimized sensor, the biofunctionalization protocol and the design and implementation of the measuring and signalling elements (a microfluidic chamber and a portable potentiostat-galvanostat), framed ad hoc for this specific application. The use of thin-film technologies to fabricate the biosensing device and the application of simple immobilization and detection methods enable a rapid, easy and sensitive technique for in situ and real time LPS detection.
Revista:
REVISTA (AEND)
ISSN:
1888-9166
Año:
2014
Vol.:
69
N°:
4
Págs.:
26 - 38
Revista:
BIOMEDICAL MICRODEVICES
ISSN:
1387-2176
Año:
2014
Vol.:
16
N°:
3
Págs.:
365 - 374
Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly used in clinical practice to improve a patient's quality of life. Unfortunately, there is an intrinsic risk of acquiring an infection related to microbial biofilm formation inside the catheter lumen. It has been estimated that 80 % of all human bacterial infections are biofilm-associated. Additionally, 50 % of all nosocomial infections are associated with indwelling devices. Bloodstream infections account for 30-40 % of all cases of severe sepsis and septic shock, and are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of bloodstream infections must be performed promptly so that adequate antimicrobial therapy can be started and patient outcome improved. An ideal diagnostic technology would identify the infecting organism(s) in a timely manner, so that appropriate pathogen-driven therapy could begin promptly. Unfortunately, despite the essential information it provides, blood culture, the gold standard, largely fails in this purpose because time is lost waiting for bacterial or fungal growth. This work presents a new design of a venous access port that allows the monitoring of the inner reservoir surface by means of an impedimetric biosensor. An ad-hoc electronic system was designed to manage the sensor and to allow communication with the external receiver. Historic data recorded and stored in the device was used as the reference value for the detection of bacterial biofilm. The RF communication system sends an alarm signal to the external receiver when a microbial colonization of the port occurs. The successful in vitro analysis of the biosensor, the electronics and the antenna of the new indwelling device prototype are shown. The experimental conditions were selected in each case as the closest to the clinical working conditions for the smart central venous catheter (SCVC) testing. The results of this work allow a new generation of this kind of device that could potentially provide more efficient treatments for catheter-related infections.
Revista:
MICROELECTRONICS JOURNAL
ISSN:
0026-2692
Año:
2013
Vol.:
44
N°:
10
Págs.:
912 - 919
This paper presents a comparative study on time-to-digital converters (TDC) for their use as part of an RFID tag sensor. TDCs can digitize any physical magnitude previously converted to time delay and exploit the benefits of time domain conversion: high resolution with reduced power consumption and low voltage operation. Three different TDC architectures are analyzed and a calibration strategy tailored for RFID sensing applications is proposed in order to account for process variations. Converters implemented using a 0.18 mu m CMOS standard process have been analyzed at transistor level for human body temperature sensing applications. An accuracy of 0.011 degrees C is achieved in the range from 35 degrees C to 43 degrees C for the nonius TDC with a power consumption of only 4.1 nW at 10 samples per second from a 1.8 V voltage supply. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Revista:
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
ISSN:
0925-4005
Año:
2013
Vol.:
178
Págs.:
663 - 670
Bacterial biofilms are a common cause of persistent and chronic infections, mostly related to implantable devices. In this context, Staphylococcus species are the most relevant microorganisms involved in causing high costs for the healthcare system. New diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools should be developed by providing in vivo analysis of the specific physiological parameters directly related to the status of the indwelling device. Monitoring the biofilm's biological evolution will allow an earlier diagnostic. Impedance microbiology is suggested as a proper technique for directly measuring the development of bacterial biofilms generated inside intravascular catheters. In this study we propose interdigitated microelectrode biosensors be integrated within those implantable devices. In vitro assays have been carried out in order to characterize this methodology as a detection and monitoring tool for bacterial biofilm development. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) was implemented in 96-well microtiter plates, leading to positive results in detecting and monitoring bacterial biofilm development. Two Staphylococcus aureus and two Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were successfully monitored during a 20-h culture, and results show that the low range of the frequency is the most suitable setting for measuring the maximum relative changes. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
ISSN:
0021-8979
Año:
2013
Vol.:
113
N°:
15
We obtain angular-resolved quantitative magneto-optical measurements with good signal-to-noise ratio from very diffusive reflection patterns of industrial steel samples, which are a consequence of their large surface roughness. For the diffuse spots generated by these samples, we observe that while the overall shape of the magnetic hysteresis loop is nearly independent, a monotonous increase of the magneto-optical polarization change occurs as a function of the scattering angle. We demonstrate that this observation can be explained by considering the diffuse spot as a superposition of independent reflections from planar surfaces with varying incidence angles. This main finding can be ultimately used to facilitate an efficient non-invasive analysis of industrial magnetic samples by means of magneto-optical methods despite their elevated level of roughness.
Revista:
BIOSENSORS AND BIOELECTRONICS
ISSN:
0956-5663
Año:
2012
Vol.:
38
N°:
1
Págs.:
226 - 232
Detection of device-associated infectious processes is still an important clinical challenge. Bacteria grow adhered to the device surfaces creating biofilms that are resistant to antimicrobial agents, increasing mortality and morbidity. Thus there is need of a surgical procedure to remove the indwelling infected device. The elevated cost of these procedures, besides patients discomfort and increased risks, highlights the need to develop more efficient, accurate and rapid detection methods. Biosensors integrated with implantable devices will provide an effective diagnostic tool. In vivo, rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria attached to the device surfaces will allow efficient treatments. Impedance spectroscopy technique would be an adequate tool to detect the adherence and the growth of the microorganism by monitoring the impedance characteristics. In this work a label-free interdigitated microelectrode (IDAM) biosensor has been developed to be integrated with implantable devices. Impedance characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms has been performed achieving electrical monitoring of the bacterial growths in a few hours from the onset of the infection. This pathogen represents the most common microorganism related to intravascular catheters associated infections. The experimental setup presented in this work, a modified CDC biofilm reactor, simulates the natural environment conditions for bacterial biofilm development. The results prove that the low range of frequency is the most suitable setting for monitoring biofilm development. Our findings prove the effectiveness of this technique which shows variations of 59% in the equivalent serial capacitance component of the impedance. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS
ISSN:
0018-9464
Año:
2010
Vol.:
46
N°:
2
Págs.:
513 - 516
The capacity of magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) measurements to characterize recovery and the onset and evolution of recrystallization processes occurring during the annealing of cold rolled low carbon steel is analyzed. Cold rolled low carbon steel samples were isothermally annealed at laboratory under different conditions in order to promote various degrees of recovery or recrystallization. The effect of recovery and recrystallization processes on the MBN envelope, the amplitude of the peak of the MBN envelope, the time integral of the MBN envelope and the MBN energy is discussed and related to the microstructural changes produced by these softening processes. The obtained results prove that several parameters derived from the MBN are able to follow the progress of recovery and recrystallization.