The need for high quality performance thin polymer coatings on surface acoustic wave (SAW) crystals has stimulated significant efforts in the areas of deposition and sensing technology. The surface uniformity and reproducibility of the coating process plays a significant role in the performance of the coated SAW components. Recently, a new matrix assisted polymer laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique has been developed for advanced polymer deposition. An opportunity is presented to improve chemical agent detection performance of advanced chemoselective polymer coatings through a more uniform, cost-efficient, and reproducible process. Specifically, the novel photothermal MAPLE process will be developed for SAW substrate coatings. The effect of MAPLE polymer deposition process performance of the SAW sensor will be examined for vapor sensitivity and device characteristics. The Phase I will include substantial materials characterization for uniformity and repeatability of the selected polymer films. A prototype design for automated deposition of the polymer coating will be presented. An optimized coating process for SAW devices will be implemented in Phase II in addition to an instrument prototype for polymer coating. Side-by-side comparison with aerosol spray coated SAW sensors will be included. Probability for Phase III commercialization of both the MAPLE process and instrumentation is considered high.The nation may expect to benefit from the success of the proposed R&D of a low cost, reproducible, uniform polymer coating process for quartz crystal SAW devices. The use of MAPLE processes and instrumentation will provide for a strong US manufacturing base of coating equipment.
