In QCM-D measurements, the dissipation, i.e. the D-factor, provides information that is complementary to the frequency response. So how can this information be understood?
In this overview, we take a closer look at the behavior of the sensor oscillation at various types of loads and investigate what the D-factor reveals.
The overview includes: 
-
A comparison of the purely elastic layer scenario vs the viscoelastic layer scenario
-
A closer look at how the D-factor quantifies the dampening of the sensor oscillating motion
-
An explanation of the superposition of acoustic waves, and how those affect the sensor oscillation amplitude
