Low power micro-calorimetric sensors for analysis of gaseous samples

This work discusses the design, finite element method modeling (FEM), fabrication and characterization of a silicon-based, catalytic micro calorimetric sensor. The sensing area is comprised of two titanium silicide (TiSi2) – polysilicon (poly-Si) resistive temperature sensors symmetrically positioned relative to a poly-Si heater on which an oxidation promoting catalyst is deposited. The resistive structures are located on a suspended, thereby, thermally isolating, low mechanical stress membrane and integrated into a glass flow channel. The micro-calorimetric sensor is applied for measuring propane and hydrogen concentrations in air.