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Sniffing speeds up chemical detection by controlling air-flows near sensors

Author

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  • Thomas L. Spencer

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Adams Clark

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Jordi Fonollosa

    (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
    Networking Biomedical Research Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN)
    Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu)

  • Emmanuel Virot

    (Harvard University)

  • David L. Hu

    (Georgia Institute of Technology
    Georgia Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Most mammals sniff to detect odors, but little is known how the periodic inhale and exhale that make up a sniff helps to improve odor detection. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we use fluid mechanics and machine olfaction to rationalize the benefits of sniffing at different rates. We design and build a bellows and sensor system to detect the change in current as a function of odor concentration. A fast sniff enables quick odor recognition, but too fast a sniff makes the amplitude of the signal comparable to noise. A slow sniff increases signal amplitude but delays its transmission. This trade-off may inspire the design of future devices that can actively modulate their sniffing frequency according to different odors.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas L. Spencer & Adams Clark & Jordi Fonollosa & Emmanuel Virot & David L. Hu, 2021. "Sniffing speeds up chemical detection by controlling air-flows near sensors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21405-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21405-y
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