Transverse waves trapped by metallic gratings deposited on thin quartz plates

A theoretical model has been developed to predict the properties of transverse waves propagating under periodic metal strip gratings deposited on piezoelectric plates of finite thickness. The reliability of the model is demonstrated by comparing theoretical and experimental resonance frequencies of synchronous devices built on 128 mu m thick AT-and Z-cut plates of quartz. Temperature sensitivities have also been measured experimentally. Finally, a theoretical analysis of the gravimetric sensitivity of these devices is reported. The case of a purely elastic load has been considered. Results are compared to state-of-the-art. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.