Micro-calorimetric sensor for vapour phase explosive detection with optimized heat profile

A heater design, used in a micro-calorimetric sensor, has been optimized for temperature uniformity and the sensor has been used for detection of trace amounts of explosives. In this abstract the design, characterization and functionality is described. The performance of the novel heater design is characterized by measuring the temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) values and by mapping the temperature distribution using Raman spectroscopy. The new heater design has increased the temperature uniformity and calorimetric measurements on DNT (2,4-Dinitrotoluene) show more reproducible and better defined signals.