Sample Holder for Evaluating Thin Film Sensor Materials in Gaseous Environments

Thin film gas sensors are small, lightweight, and relatively easy to operate; however, the testing of these thin film gas sensors is difficult in harsh environments due to the exposure of critical components to the harsh environment. A need exists for the ability to test thin film gas sensor materials for their response to analytes of interest in a variety of environments, including harsh environments. Currently, a sample holder does not exist that will allow the testing of thin film gas sensor materials in harsh environments. Many of the thin film gas sensors require electrical and mechanical connections in order to operate. Harsh environments tend to degrade many of these connections, compromising sensor performance and shortening sensor lifetime. A sensor holder that provides exposure of the thin film sensor material to the harsh environment, while protecting the electrical and mechanical connections, is needed. The advantages of such a sample holder are that the sensors can be used in a wider range of environments (temperature, humidity, etc.), and a wider range of analytes can be evaluated (hydrazine, ammonia, hydrogen, etc.).