Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an extremely sensitive mass balance that measures nanogram to microgram level changes in mass per unit area. The heart of the technology is a quartz disc. ... The frequency of oscillation can be affected by the addition or removal of small amounts of mass onto the electrode surface.

What is quartz crystal microbalance used for?

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance can be used under vacuum for monitoring the rate of deposition in thin film deposition systems or in liquid environments where it is highly effective at determining the affinity of molecules (proteins, in particular) to surfaces functionalized with recognition sites.

How does a quartz crystal microbalance work?

How does QCM work? QCM uses the 'piezo-electric effect' of a thin quartz crystal between two electrodes. When a mechanical strain is applied to a piezo-electric material, this results in the generation of an electrical potential across that material.