Nanomechanical cantilever sensors: theory and applications

Nanosensors are gaining increasing attention due to the need to detect and measure chemical and physical properties in difficult-to-reach biological and industrial systems that are in the nanoscale region. Nanosensors are sensing devices with at least one of their sensing dimensions being no greater than 100 nm. In the field of nanotechnology, nanosensors are instrumental for (a) monitoring physical and chemical phenomena in regions that are difficult to reach, (b) detecting biochemicals in cellular organelles, and (c) measuring nanoscopic particles in industry and environment. In spite of the relatively short history of nanosensors, the advances made in this area have been remarkable. With continuing progress in nanotechnology tools and increasing insight on the nanoscale phenomena, one may expect further advancement in the area of nanosensors through enhanced performance of existing nanosensors and newer nanosensors based on novel mechanisms. This book aims to address the need for providing up-to-date information on the fundamental principles
of nanosensors and their applications in industry, health care, and defense.