Sensors In Science And Technology

Sensors are used to measure physical, chemical and biological quantities. The book offers a comprehensive overview of physical principles, functions and applications of sensors. It is structured according to the fields of activity of sensors and shows their application by means of typical examples. Measured variables that can be recorded by sensors are e.g. mechanical, dynamic, thermal, electrical and magnetic. Furthermore, optical and acoustical sensors are discussed in detail in the book. The sensor signals are recorded, processed and converted into control signals for actuators. Such sensor systems are also presented.

An authoritative comprehensive treatise on historical perspectives, challenges of measurements and future directions of sensor science and technology. The book deals with principles and application of various sensors for dimensions, compositions, structures, defects flow, vibration, position, etc. It also draws on interesting case studies to explain applications. A few approaches such as pulsed sensors, nanotechnology, based sensors, wireless networking of sensors, etc. are highlighted in the book. The book is aimed at engineers, scientists, technologists and students desirous to be aware of capabilities of sensors and engaged with measurements to enable the reader to design sensors and find a framework of approaches to make a right choice of sensor or a combination, for specific applications.

Process control and analytical measurement systems are used in every aspect of industry and research. Rapid advances are being made in sensor technologies which have the potential to provide more sensitive, selective, efficient and rugged sensing systems. Opportunities for research and development and production are internationally significant and support is needed to increase Canadian participation. This paper makes recommendations for governmental, professional and industrial support of research in emerging sensor technologies.

Gas sensor technology has advanced remarkably during past few decades and has become one of the indispensable technologies for modern society. Varieties of gas sensors are commercially available and, using innovative ideas, efforts are being made to develop gas sensors of next generation having very small size with very low power consumption. The ultimate model for this is probably given by sensory organs of our own body, which are implanted finely and work well with a very modest amount of energy. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential that various aspects of gas sensors are seriously considered. These include understanding of gas sensing mechanisms, development of new materials and methods to synthesise them into selective sensors, innovations in nanostructured materials, measurement methods, microfabrication of sensors, exploring intelligent sensing system, etc. This book examines these issues pertaining to chemiresistive gas sensors.

An investigation of the advances in microelectronics and data processing which have produced "smart" sensors, with properties akin to human intelligence. The authors discuss the use of these sensors in equipment diagnosis and survey their applications in building and artificial intelligence.

Advances in materials science and engineering have paved the way for the development of new and more capable sensors. Drawing upon case studies from manufacturing and structural monitoring and involving chemical and long wave-length infrared sensors, this book suggests an approach that frames the relevant technical issues in such a way as to expedite the consideration of new and novel sensor materials. It enables a multidisciplinary approach for identifying opportunities and making realistic assessments of technical risk and could be used to guide relevant research and development in sensor technologies.

Sensors are used for civil infrastructure performance assessment and health monitoring, and have evolved significantly through developments in materials and methodologies. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure Volume I provides an overview of sensor hardware and its use in data collection. The first chapters provide an introduction to sensing for structural performance assessment and health monitoring, and an overview of commonly used sensors and their data acquisition systems. Further chapters address different types of sensor including piezoelectric transducers, fiber optic sensors, acoustic emission sensors, and electromagnetic sensors, and the use of these sensors for assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures. Developments in technologies applied to civil infrastructure performance assessment are also discussed, including radar technology, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure provides a standard reference for structural and civil engineers, electronics engineers, and academics with an interest in the field. Describes sensing hardware and data collection, covering a variety of sensors Examines fiber optic systems, acoustic emission, piezoelectric sensors, electromagnetic sensors, ultrasonic methods, and radar and millimeter wave technology Covers strain gauges, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), multifunctional materials and nanotechnology for sensing, and vision-based sensing and lasers