Is there potential for use of the Hall effect in analytical science?
This article describes the basic principles of the Hall effect and how it has been applied in solid state applications to measure both the magnetic field and material properties. This is followed by an outline of research undertaken in aqueous ionic solutions as a possible precursor to application in chemical studies. However, previous research has shown that factors such as the Nernst effect have reduced the success of reliably measuring the Hall voltage under these conditions. The possibility of a multi-sensing approach using both electrical and acoustic Hall voltages to overcome these challenges is discussed. The article concludes with a brief look at some early efforts to detect biomolecular interactions.
Johnstone
Sherri
S
Centre for Electronic Systems, School of Engineering, Durham University, Durham, UK DH1 3LE. sherri.johnstone@durham.ac.uk