Microelectronic Gas Resistive Sensor Based on Nanocrystalline Tin Dioxide Films with Terbium and Antimony Additives

Abstract

The technology of microelectronic resistive gas sensors is considered. Heater and thermistor contacts are formed on an oxidized silicon substrate by sputtering a nichrome film and subsequent photolithography in combination with reactive magnetron sputtering of a nanocrystalline tin dioxide film with terbium and antimony additives. A 1.5 × 1.5 mm sensor requires 90 mW for heating to optimal working temperature of 250–280°C. The sensor has very high sensitivity to alcohols and low sensitivity to benzene and acetone.