Odor-sensing system using preconcentrator with variable temperature

A preconcentrator conventionally used for increasing sensor sensitivity is also effective in an odor-sensing system to enhance the discrimination capa bility if its temperature suitable for target vapors is set since the desor ption temperature depends upon the kind of the vapor. Thus, an autonomous s ystem to adjust its temperature profile according to target odors was succe ssfully developed using a numerical optimization algorithm. The system is a kind of active sensing system with high capability of adaptation compared with the conventional system. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights res erved.