Articles tagged with Sensors
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created materials that can detect TNT and alert to its presence remotely, reducing danger for military personnel. The system uses low-cost, battery-free sensors that emit light when excited by infrared light, which is then detected by a specially-designed light-collection system.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in homemade explosives. The penny-sized electronic sensor is comparable to current instruments but cheaper and more portable.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of sensor that uses T-rays to detect explosives and poisons. The technology guides the radiation along a specially designed surface, increasing detection sensitivity and potentially revolutionizing security screening.
The new NIST mini-sensor is almost 1000 times more sensitive than the original chip-scale magnetometer and can detect magnetic fields in the range of 3-40 femtoteslas. The device has potential applications in non-invasive biomagnetic measurements, such as fetal heart monitoring and brain activity measurement.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed tiny wireless sensors that can detect impending bearing failure in jet engines, providing critical advance warning to prevent breakdowns. The MEMS technology withstands extreme heat and transmits temperature data wirelessly, enabling early detection of failures.
A team of Iowa State engineers has developed a sensor that can detect small vibrations caused by escaping air in spacecraft, allowing for faster leak detection. This technology, in partnership with Invocon Inc., aims to improve the safety and efficiency of NASA's space missions.
Researchers at NIST create a process to fine-tune the electrical resistance of individual layers in magnetic sensors, enabling faster and more efficient data storage. By using highly charged ions to create tiny pits, the team can tailor the resistance of the sensor without changing any other part of the device.
A thin layer of ruthenium modulates interactions between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic films, stabilizing the magnetization and enhancing device sensitivity. Thicker buffers result in more sensitive devices, while thinner buffers improve resistance to external fields.
Researchers have created graphene-based devices that can detect individual molecules of a toxic gas, offering potential applications for detecting hidden explosives and deadly carbon monoxide. The discovery was made by Dr Kostya Novoselov and Professor Andre Geim at the University of Manchester.
The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a $39 million contract to COM DEV International Ltd. to build the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) and Tuneable Filter Imager (TFI) camera for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. These instruments will provide essential pointing capability and unique science capabilities, including infrared imaging and pl...
A NASA-funded project using satellite observations has shown an increase in days of snow melting on Greenland's ice sheet over the past 18 years. The resulting data helps scientists understand the speed of glacier flow and how much water will pour into the surrounding ocean.
A £9.5 million European Union-funded project will build a self-healing house in Greece with unique walls that contain wireless sensors and can repair cracks using nano polymer particles. The system aims to alert residents straight away if there are any problems, potentially saving lives.
A breath test using a color sensor can detect lung cancer with moderate accuracy in early stages, showing promise for non-invasive screening. The test detects changes in volatile organic compounds produced by lung cancer cells.
A robot designed to inspect power cables autonomously has been tested in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The prototype can pinpoint problem spots using sensors that detect heat dissipation, electrical discharge, and water seepage, paving the way for improved grid maintenance and reduced blackouts.
The University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center will design and build the Energetic Heavy Ion Sensor (EHIS) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) third-generation weather satellites. The instrument will monitor energetic particles in space, helping refine computer models to predict space weather events.
The MIRTHE center aims to create low-cost, easy-to-use sensors for medicine, environment, and security. It will utilize quantum cascade lasers to detect chemicals in the air and water.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has designed preliminary test procedures to measure the performance of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System (IVBSS). The IVBSS aims to detect and warn drivers of potential crashes at different speeds and in various driving situations. NIST will observe contractor tests and...
Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...
Researchers simulate sensor web technique to track pollution transport and improve forecast accuracy. The technology coordinates observations from satellites, airborne instruments, and ground-based stations to provide alerts days in advance for vulnerable populations.
A study by Yale University researchers found that sensor-based detectors for suicide bombers are ineffective and would only save a few lives. The team suggests investing in intelligence gathering to intercept attackers before they attack.
Researchers at NIST have developed chip-scale refrigerators capable of reaching temperatures as low as 100 milliKelvin, enabling cooling of bulk objects. The solid-state refrigerators have applications in semiconductor defect analysis and astronomical research.
Researchers propose a 'systems engineering approach' to protect public spaces from chemical and biological terror attacks. This involves central command centers, response strategies tailored to facilities, and sterilizing chambers built into air-circulation systems.
Researchers designed a nanometer-thin crystal of tin oxide to detect single molecules of nerve gas sarin. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability make it ideal for future applications.
Researchers at NIST have developed a low-power, mini clock design inspired magnetometer that can detect magnetic field changes as small as 50 picoteslas. The device is about the size of a grain of rice and can be powered with batteries.
A new sensor, smaller than a dime, measures blood glucose levels by detecting changes in acidity and frequency. The device requires no internal power supply or connections outside the body, allowing users to wave their hand to get a reading.
Engineers at Ohio State University have created microscopic finger-like structures that can detect chemicals in the air and may be used for cleaning toxic chemicals, gathering solar energy, or forming fog-free surfaces. The new process involves baking ceramic material with hydrogen gas to create a platform for devices.
A new personal chemical agent detector has been developed using a hybrid of sensor technologies, offering high sensitivity and fast reaction time. The device is reusable, can differentiate between warfare agent threats and background environments, and requires minimal power.
Advanced sensors and communication platforms can monitor complex tropical environments to track elusive animals and study their behavior. Technologies like automated telemetry systems, high-quality sound recordings, and radiotransmitters are being developed to aid conservation efforts in the Amazon basin.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed an optically-active structure with a diameter smaller than a human hair based on III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors. The tiny structures can be used as miniature displays, detectors, sensors or hyper-bright LEDs.
Dai and his team have developed a system to control the synthesis of carbon nanotubes, enabling their use in sensing technologies. One type of nanotube structure shows promise as a sensor for detecting nitrogen dioxide, a common pollutant in vehicle exhaust.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a new type of sensor based on porous silicon, offering enhanced sensitivity and reduced power demands. The devices can detect gases at concentrations as low as 10 parts-per-million, making them suitable for various sensing applications.
The STAT intrusion detection system utilizes real-time packet analysis to identify patterns of attacks, aggregating individual alerts to provide an overall pattern of intrusion. The system's modular design enables centralized monitoring and control, allowing for flexible configuration and response to locally detected intrusions.
Researchers have developed a new sensor that improves the sensitivity and reliability of current prototypes for landmine detection. The sensor uses specially designed disposable fluorescent polymer beads that can be easily replaced, reducing degradation and retraining problems.
Researchers have developed portable chemical sensors using shifting liquid crystals, which can detect environmental exposure to residential pesticides and monitor food spoilage. The sensors are extremely sensitive and quick, taking only seconds to complete detection and reset.
A system of acoustic sensors, originally developed for underwater mine detection, has been fitted onto gates and locks at Port Canaveral to protect manatees. Since its installation in March 2023, the system has detected seven manatees and saved them from death.
Scientists have developed a unique way to study elephant seals using tiny sensing devices attached to their coats. These devices provide valuable information on sea temperatures and pressure, even at depths not normally reached by research ships or satellite sensing.
A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.
The Manatee Protection System uses acoustic sensors to detect manatees in the Port Canaveral locks, preventing collisions and saving their lives. The system's advanced technology, developed by ONR-supported scientists, has already saved five manatees during installation and early testing.
The University of Cincinnati researchers have created a novel microsensor for monitoring radioactive and hazardous wastes in the Hanford nuclear facility. The sensor offers three-way selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing it to detect compounds at the nanomolar level.
A team of researchers at Ohio State University has created a single, reliable system that combines three sensing techniques to inspect the quality of high-power laser welds. The system can detect faults with significantly better accuracy than individual sensors alone, and is estimated to cost around $7,500 for manufacturing partners.
Scientists have created artificial receptors with high selectivity to distinguish one molecule from another. The synthetic locks can bind straight, skinny molecules but exclude bent or fat ones, making them useful for applications such as oxidation control and chemical sensing.
The Navy has developed a new miniature sensor to remotely detect and monitor corrosion in inaccessible areas of ships, aircraft, submarines, and weapons containers. The sensor system reduces maintenance costs by allowing for on-demand inspection and retrieval of corrosion information.
The electronic tongue is designed to detect different elements of taste, including sweet, sour, salt, and bitter. The device uses four well-known chemical sensors attached to minute beads placed on a silicon wafer, allowing it to analyse for several different chemical components simultaneously.
A strong consensus has emerged among US seismologists that the seismic network would have detected a blast equivalent to 800 tons of TNT, leading some experts to conclude that India's second round of tests were small and designed to test nuclear bomb components. Pakistan conducted its own nuclear tests shortly after.
A space-based network of sensors is showing value in spotting and tracking storms that are likely to spawn tornadoes. Storms that sent tornadoes through Georgia and Florida were observed from orbit by special sensors a few hours before and after they struck, providing critical data for improving tornado warnings.
The new instrument will provide insight into cloud behavior and lightning's impact on rainfall and El Nino events. LIS data will be used for lightning research, improving understanding of the phenomenon.
Researchers at Ohio University created a new type of chemical sensor that stores large amounts of information indefinitely, allowing workers to be alerted to potential dangers. The sensors can detect specific chemicals in the air and provide accurate readings on exposure levels.
A Penn State engineer has developed liquid crystal fibers that can automatically prevent overload and protect optical sensors from laser damage. The fibers absorb all colors of light and react non-linearly to intensity, allowing low levels of laser light to pass through.
A European research project will develop high-tech sensors for cars to detect air pollution and enforce EU regulations. The sensors will be capable of detecting a range of gases, including CO, in real-time, allowing drivers to take action to reduce their impact on the environment.