Virtual sensors for electronic nose devises

The term “virtual sensors” is relatively new in the field of chemical sensors arrays. Considering the application of this term in the literature we propose to classify virtual sensors as signal-based and sensor-based ones. The idea of sensor-based approach is to control sensor's functionality by some external factors (i.e. temperature, illumination). Virtual sensor array composed of one real sensor and two virtual ones (the same sensor illuminated in different regions of spectra) was developed on the basis of QCM sensor modified by nanostructured ZnO film. The array has demonstrated high efficiency in discriminating of alcohols. The “virtual sensors” approach opens wide possibilities for the improvement of functionality, flexibility and miniaturization of electronic nose systems.