A method and system is disclosed that can be used to directly detect and
analyze an electric signal electrostatically induced a semi-conductive or
conductive element at resonance. Through detection of the changes in the
characteristics of the signal from the element, the disclosed devices can
detect, for instance, presence of chemical/biological species in a sample
or measure physical parameters of a sample such as pressure/acceleration,
magnetic force, temperature, and/or extremely small masses. The disclosed
systems include one or more micro- or nano-sized elements. Through
modulation of an electric charge on a counter-electrode that is located
at a pre-determined distance from the element, a modulating charge can be
induced upon the element. Resonance can be directly detected via
electronic monitoring of the induced signal for the higher harmonics of
the natural resonant frequency.