The frequency shift (Δf) measured by QCM-D reflects mass change at the surface. An increase in Δf indicates mass loss, and vice versa. When material desorbs, or leaves, the sensor surface, the sensed mass will decrease and cause an increase in Δf. The magnitude of the shift is related to the mass lost from the surface.
The Dissipation shift (ΔD) provides information about the energy loss in the system under study, where an increase in ΔD indicates and increase in energy loss and vice versa. When etching occurs, the roughness of the surface may increase and result in an increase in ΔD.
The detection range of QSense technology spans from nanometers to micrometers, depending on the viscoelasticity of the applied film or medium. Molecules and entities that are typically analyzed are for example lipids, proteins and other biomolecules, surfactants, polymers, nanoparticles and cells.
