Tiny Olfactory Display Based on SAW Streaming and Electroosmosis

Abstract

Recently, various types of olfactory displays have been developed based on several techniques to provide an olfactory sensation. They are useful in certain situations but still lack some important capabilities. In this study, the olfactory display, utilizing Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) streaming and electroosmosis, was developed. In this manner, odors are generated by atomizing liquid odorants transported by Electroosmotic (EO) pumps. The device size is miniaturized to be compact and thin enough to be equipped with a wearable device. It can generate smells rapidly even the scents of low-volatile substances which typically requires much time to be released. The operation is soundless, does not produce heat to the nearby environment, and is more robust against bubble than an olfactory display composed of the widely used inkjet devices. In this research, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas sensor was used to measure the intensities of generated odor vapor to confirm the capabilities to control odor intensity and to blend odors. Moreover, the sensory evaluation was performed to confirm that there was no odor remaining after the presentation.