Investigation on Strain Films in the Thin Film Resistance Strain Gauge

Strain films in the thin film resistance strain gauge are prepared by magnetron sputtering method. Some results concerning the electromechanical and structural properties of nichrome (Ni80Cr20 wt.%) thin films are presented. As compared to the well-known Ni-Cu (constantan) alloy film, which are widely used for manufacturing pressure and force sensors, nichrome (Ni80Cr20 wt.%) thin films exhibit gauge factor values of the same order of magnitude, but they are much more corrosion resistant and adherent to the substrate. The influences of composition and post-deposition annealing on the electrical resistance, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and gauge factor of nichrome (Ni80Cr20 wt.%) thin films are discussed.