An impedance analyzer method to simulate the oscillating characteristic of a series piezoelectric sensor in oscillators with zero or non-zero phases

An impedance analyzer method is employed to simulate the oscillation frequency of a series piezoelectric quartz crystal (SPQC) in electrolyte or non-electrolyte solutions. The influence of the oscillator phase on the oscillation frequency and response sensitivity are theoretically derived and experimentally verified. In non-electrolyte liquids, the oscillator phase has little effect on both the oscillation frequency and the response to the permittivity. But in electrolyte solutions, the oscillator phase has a significant influence on the oscillation frequency and the response sensitivity to the conductivity. Depending on the oscillator phase, the oscillation frequency of the SPQC may increase, be maintained or decrease with increasing conductivity in low or high conductive solutions. The dependence of the oscillation frequency of the SPQC on the supply voltage is explained. As an example of the applications, the SPQC is applied to the determination of the critical micelle concentration of ionic surfactants in aqueous solutions.