It’s always interesting to see how scientists and engineers have exploited—in the positive sense of the word—somewhat obscure, fundamental physics principles to create innovative sensors. For example, ...

Distributed fiber-optic sensors are widely used to monitor temperature and strain in infrastructure, but their spatial resolution has long been limited. In a new study, researchers from Shibaura ...

Sensing part presence in machines, in fixtures, and on conveyors is an important component of industrial automation. Error-proofing assembly and controlling sequence based on presence or absence of a ...

Researchers have developed a tiny fiber optic force sensor that can measure extremely slight forces exerted by small objects. The new light-based sensor overcomes the limitations of force sensors ...

Photonics researchers in Australia are developing a new kind of fiber-optic sensor that they believe will find use monitoring early-stage embryos during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. The ...

Soil is often perceived simply as "dirt," but in reality, it is a dynamic, living system that acts as Earth's natural sponge. Unfortunately, common agricultural practices—including deep plowing and ...

Designers of composites are learning that if they are to be able to guarantee component and system performance, repeatability and reliability, it is critical that they have access to more sensor and ...

Researchers have developed a light-based technique for measuring very weak magnetic fields, such as those produced when neurons fire in the brain. Researchers have developed a light-based technique ...

Fiber-optic sensors could soon be deployed commercially to help cut theft from overhead power lines, after a successful demonstration project by UK firm Bandweaver. The company's distributed acoustic ...