Showing papers in "Sensor Review in 2005"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a relatively simple humidity sensor design consisting of electrodes on a suitable substrate coated with a polyimide material, which can be fabricated on alumina or silicon substrates.
Abstract: Purpose – To establish an accurate and sensitive method to characterize the moisture content of a particular environment.Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes a relatively simple humidity sensor design consisting of electrodes on a suitable substrate coated with a polyimide material. The changes in relative humidity are denoted by a corresponding change in the polyimide material's electrical resistance profile. The design proposed in this work can be microfabricated and integrated with electronic circuitry. This sensor can be fabricated on alumina or silicon substrates. The electrode material can be made up of nickel, gold or aluminum and the thickness of the electrodes ranges typically between 0.2 and 0.3 μm. The sensor consists of an active sensing layer on top of a set of electrodes. The design of the electrodes can be configured for both resistive and capacitive sensing.Findings – The polyimide material's ohmic resistance changes significantly with humidity variations. Changes in resistanc...
53 citations
Abstract: Purpose – To describe the function and use of the GreenSeeker™ active remote sensor used to detect crop nitrogen status.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the GreenSeeker active remote sensor and its use in irrigated maize production systems will be described. A brief discussion of the science of using remote sensing for studying plants is presented. Additionally, a summary of observations collected from field trials is presented.Findings – The GreenSeeker active sensor has tremendous potential for accurately characterizing crop variability for site‐specific N rate determinations in the Western Great Plains region of the United States.Originality/value – This paper discusses the GreenSeeker active sensor for detecting crop variability. Data from the GreenSeeker can be used to make site‐specific nitrogen fertilizer applications which may lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the structural acoustic wavefront coming from the impact is simultaneously recorded by four contact piezoelectric pickups mounted near the sheet's corners, which are used to estimate the location of the hit and derive other parameters, including a degree of confidence in the position accuracy, the strike intensity and the nature of each hit (e.g. knuckle knock, metal tap, or fist bang).
Abstract: Purpose – To describe the development of and experience with a system that tracks the position of knocks and taps atop a large sheet of glass for use as an inexpensive retrofit that can make large windows into interactive interfaces.Design/methodology/approach – The structural‐acoustic wavefront coming from the impact is simultaneously recorded by four contact piezoelectric pickups mounted near the sheet's corners. A digital signal processor extracts relevant characteristics from these signals, such as amplitudes, frequency components, and differential timings, which are used to estimate the location of the hit and derive other parameters, including a degree of confidence in the position accuracy, the strike intensity and the nature of each hit (e.g. knuckle knock, metal tap, or fist bang – our system responds to any kind of impact). A set of heuristically‐guided rules are employed to compare the waveforms recorded by different sensors and determine the differential timing.Findings – Across sensitive area...
40 citations
TL;DR: A range of luminescent-based optical fiber sensors have been reported and developed which include fluorescence and optical scattering as discussed by the authors, and these temperature sensors incorporate materials that emit wavelength shifted light when excited by an optical source.
Abstract: Purpose – There are various temperature measuring systems presented in the literature and on the market today. Over the past number of years a range of luminescent‐based optical fibre sensors have been reported and developed which include fluorescence and optical scattering. These temperature sensors incorporate materials that emit wavelength shifted light when excited by an optical source. The majority of commercially available systems are based on fluorescent properties.Design/methodology/approach – Many published journal articles and conference papers were investigated and existing temperature sensors in the market were examined.Findings – In optical thermometry, the light is used to carry temperature information. In many cases optical fibres are used to transmit and receive this light. Optical fibres are immune to electromagnetic interference and are small in size, which allows them to make very localized measurements. A temperature sensitive material forms a sensor and the subsequent optical data are...
29 citations
TL;DR: A conceptual design of a wireless capsule endoscope having new features like navigation control, self‐propulsion, higher rate image transmission, acquisition of samples, application of medications and so forth is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – Aims to report on a new trend of research and development in the wireless capsule endoscope.Design/methodology/approach – Presents a conceptual design of a wireless capsule endoscope having new features like navigation control, self‐propulsion, higher rate image transmission, acquisition of samples, application of medications and so forth.Findings – The basic principle has been verified by experiments. Seems promising.Research limitations/implications – Yet to need a lot of effort for commercialization.Practical implications – If successful, it will provide another way of least invasive medical treatment that must reduce pain of patients drastically.Originality/value – Taking advantage of the state‐of‐the‐art micro‐technology it suggests a further step beyond the current wireless capsule endoscope.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of the similarity-based modeling (SBM) technology and review its application to condition monitoring of rotating equipment using features calculated from vibration sensor signals.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide an overview of the similarity‐based modeling (SBM) technology and review its application to condition monitoring of rotating equipment using features calculated from vibration sensor signals.Design/methodology/approach – Concentrates on the practical capabilities and underlying technology of SBM. Examines the effectiveness of it as an approach to detect and diagnose faults in an electric motor‐driven shaft during variable speed operating conditions.Findings – The SBM is a non‐parametric pattern recognition technology developed by SmartSignal that is applied generally to multivariate condition monitoring problems. A vibration sensor is monitored by first transforming the digitized time domain sensor signal into relevant features over time. These features are monitored continuously in real time to detect any discernable differences from normality. The deviations in turn, produce fault signatures in time‐feature space that aid in fault diagnosis.Originality/value – Gives information on a...
26 citations
TL;DR: This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers practical help to engineers and researchers in designing new digital sensors and transducers, as well as smart sensors and systems using a minimum of hardware.
Abstract: – To provide detailed information about the novel universal frequency‐to‐digital converter UFDC‐1, which can help engineers and researchers to design new digital sensors and transducers, as well as smart sensors and sensor systems., – The high performance of the UFDC‐1 is achieved by using four novel measuring methods for frequency‐time parameters. All existing integrated frequency‐to‐digital converters and frequency (time) output sensors have been reviewed and current design requirements for the UFDC‐1 have been formulated., – The UFDC‐1 enables the transition from traditional analog (voltage and current) sensors output to frequency‐time output. This yields a lot of benefits due to the properties of frequency as informative parameter. No output standardization is necessary, as opposed to the case of analog output sensors. Users can now work with the UFDC‐1, the same as with traditional ADCs. Sensor manufacturers can simply integrate the UFDC‐1 in microsystems and digital output sensors in order to produce serial output or bus capability., – The UFDC‐1 has many applications: obtaining a digital output from any frequency, period, duty‐cycle, time interval, phase‐shift, pulse number output sensors, up to one chip digital sensors design and smart (self‐adaptive) sensors, thanks to its programmable relative error and non‐redundant conversion time. The UFDC‐1 can work with any existing frequency‐time domain sensor to produce a digital output or create multiparametric smart sensors and systems., – This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers practical help to engineers and researchers in designing new digital sensors and transducers, as well as smart sensors and systems using a minimum of hardware.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a prototype gas prover was constructed to serve as the Italian primary standard for gas flow rates in the range 0.1 ml/min to 2 l/min, which is used to calibrate high quality industrial standards, as well as the MFCs used in microelectronic fabrications and preparation of reference gas mixtures.
Abstract: Purpose – A prototype gas prover was constructed to serve as the Italian primary standard for gas flow rates in the range 0.1 ml/min to 2 l/min. The new prover is used to calibrate high‐quality industrial standards, as well as the MFCs used in microelectronic fabrications and preparation of reference gas mixtures.Design/methodology/approach – The prover measures gas volume transfers caused by displacements of a 120 mm dia. motor‐operated piston, which is introduced into a temperature‐controlled chamber containing up to 3 l of the required working gas at near ambient conditions. Gas delivery is made at constant rate, whereas possibly variable incoming flows are measured at constant pressure. Displacements of the piston are measured by an optical interferometer.Findings – The analysis shows that standard uncertainty ranges between 0.013 and 0.03 percent. Owing to the very accurate control and measurement of both pressures and temperatures, these figures refer equally to volume and mass flowrate. Experimenta...
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a very detailed market research report, "Medical and Biological Sensor and Sensor Systems: markets, applications and competitors worldwide", which describes the history and development of biosensors and their commercial application.
Abstract: Purpose – Describes the history and development of biosensors and their commercial application.Design/methodology/approach – Provides background information on different forms of biosensors and how they can be brought to market. This review is edited from a very detailed market research report “Medical and Biological Sensor and Sensor Systems: markets, applications and competitors worldwide”.Findings – Finds that the commercial potential for biosensors is very large and is expected to reach US$ 2.3 billion worldwide in 2005.Originality/value – The full market research report provides a detailed insight into biosensors and how they are made and the various application areas, together with discussion regarding a large number of vendor and research companies.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a flow meter concept design consists of a surface micromachined sensor having an optical high reflective mirror made of gold, which is attached to unique cantilever designs that bend due to the drag force of mass flow.
Abstract: Purpose – Owing to the technology growth, especially in Microsystems technology and Nanotechnology, new products will provide new ways to sense variables that are crucial for product improvement and system reliability. A big concern of the scientific community is the measurement of low level flow measurements, especially for the biomedical and/or systems on a chip approaches.Design/methodology/approach – A new flow meter concept design consists of a surface micromachined sensor having an optical high reflective mirror made of gold, which is attached to unique cantilever designs that bend due to the drag force of mass flow. The bending of the cantilevers produces the mirror to approach/depart from an optical fiber end‐tip. The reflective light to fiber is modulated using a Fabry‐Perot interferometry technique to determine the mirror separation to the fiber, which corresponds to the mass flow.Findings – The new concept design shows a big potential approach to measure low flow measurements for air, gas and l...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the size and structure of the global biosensor market which is presently dominated by medical applications and identify homeland security as an emerging area offering significant prospects for technological innovation and market growth.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper discusses the size and structure of the global biosensor market which is presently dominated by medical applications.Design/methodology/approach – It considers a number of recent developments based on nanotechnology.Findings – Identifies homeland security as an emerging area offering significant prospects for technological innovation and market growth.Originality/value – Of interest to those concerned with technology developments.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in the process control of foodstuffs is reviewed, and the authors present a single-board system aimed at OEMs and a complete fibre-optic spectrometer ready for the end-user.
Abstract: Purpose – To review the use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in the process control of foodstuffs.Design/methodology/approach – Presents two spectroscopy products used in the production environment: a single‐board system aimed at OEMs, and a complete fibre‐optic spectrometer ready for the end‐user. Gives examples of applications within the food and drink industry.Findings – Finds that these instruments are fast, effective and inexpensive, and rugged enough for the processing environment.Originality/value – Draws attention to the potential of NIR spectroscopy outside the confines of the laboratory.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of cone swirler flow conditioner for both standard and non-standard flow conditions has been carried out in the experimental rig and the measuring of mass flow rate under different conditions and different Reynolds numbers were used to establish a change in discharge coefficient relative to a standard one.
Abstract: Purpose – The sensitivity of orifice plate metering to poorly conditioned and swirling flows are subjects of concerns to flow meter users and manufacturers. The distortions caused by pipe fittings and pipe installations upstream of the orifice plate are major sources of this type of non‐standard flows. These distortions will alter the accuracy of metering up to an unacceptable degree.Design/methodology/approach – The design of orifice plate meters that are independent of the initial flow conditions of the upstream is a major object of flow metering. Either using a long straight pipe or a flow conditioner upstream of an orifice plate usually achieves this goal. The effect of cone swirler flow conditioner for both standard and non‐standard flow conditions has been carried out in the experimental rig. The measuring of mass flow rate under different conditions and different Reynolds numbers were used to establish a change in discharge coefficient relative to a standard one.Findings – The experimental results ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a new generation of liquid flow sensors that is capable of meeting the requirements as imposed by the life science, analysis, biotech and other markets is presented, using tubes made of silica, stainless steel or PEEK.
Abstract: Purpose – To present a new generation of liquid flow sensors that is capable of meeting the requirements as imposed by the life science, analysis, biotech and other marketsDesign/methodology/approach – A description of the design and development of low flow rate measuring system and typical applicationsFindings – The system described uses tubes made of silica, stainless steel or PEEK, and either constant power or constant temperature methods in conjunction with a heater and temperature sensor The tested instruments were capable of measuring flow ranges between 25‐500 nl/min (smallest flow range) and 100‐2000 μl/min (largest flow range) water, with operating pressures up to 100 bar (up to 400 bar for flow meters with flow ranges below 100 μl/min)Originality/value – Presents information on a new generation of liquid flow sensors
TL;DR: In this article, measurements from seven commercial sensors installed in live, dead and burned feathermoss samples, drying in a controlled manner, were compared to moisture content measurements, and empirical calibrations of sensor output to water content were determined.
Abstract: Purpose – Feathermoss is ubiquitous in the boreal forest and across various land‐cover types of the arctic and subarctic. A variety of affordable commercial sensors for soil moisture content measurement have recently become available and are in use in such regions, often in conjunction with fire‐susceptibility or ecological studies. Few come supplied with calibrations suitable or suggested for soils high in organics. Aims to test seven of these sensors for use in feathermoss, seeking calibrations between sensor output and volumetric water content.Design/methodology/approach – Measurements from seven sensors installed in live, dead and burned feathermoss samples, drying in a controlled manner, were compared to moisture content measurements. Empirical calibrations of sensor output to water content were determined.Findings – Almost all of the sensors tested were suitable for measuring the moss sample water content, and a unique calibration for each sensor for this material is presented. Differences in sensor...
TL;DR: The process of 3D modeling and model‐based recognition along with their potential applications in industry with a particular emphasis on robot grasp analysis is discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – In model‐based recognition the 3D models of objects are stored in a model library during an offline phase. During the online recognition phase, a view of the scene is matched with the model library to identify the location and pose of certain library objects in the scene. Aims to focus on the process of 3D modeling and model‐based recognition.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the process of 3D modeling and model‐based recognition along with their potential applications in industry with a particular emphasis on robot grasp analysis. The paper also emphasises the main challenges in these areas and give a brief literature review.Findings – In order to develop an automatic 3D model‐based object recognition system it is necessary to automate the process of 3D modeling and recognition. The challenge in automating the 3D modeling process is to develop an automatic correspondence technique. The core of recognition is the representation scheme. Recognition is an online process. Therefore...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed some of the microscopic techniques relevant to medicine, then looked at hardware developments in microscopes, filters and cameras, and highlighted the hardware and software developments that are enabling powerful microscopic methodologies to enter into the medical field.
Abstract: Purpose – Examines some of the recent technical developments that are leading to a wider use of powerful methods in medical microscopy.Design/methodology/approach – Reviews some of the microscopic techniques relevant to medicine, then looks at hardware developments in microscopes, filters and cameras.Findings – Highly sophisticated techniques such as time‐resolved fluorescence measurements are now incorporated in turnkey instruments, using picosecond diode lasers for accurate measurement of fluorescent lifetimes. Advances in optical fibre coating technology in the telecoms field have led to improved filters for fluorescence microscopy, and imaging allows the detection of non‐visible wavelengths and very low light levels. Many microscopes are modular, so that users can upgrade to further capabilities at will. Automatic medical diagnosis software is coming onto the market.Originality/value – Highlights the hardware and software developments that are enabling powerful microscopic methodologies to enter into ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a new optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system, based on a novel time division multiplexing technique, which is being commercialised by UK start-up Insensys.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe a new optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system, based on a novel time division multiplexing technique, which is being commercialised by UK start‐up Insensys. This new technique allows sensor costs to be reduced dramatically and also yields operational benefits.Design/methodology/approach – The system uses time division multiplexing (TDM) rather than wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to interrogate the sensors. All the FBG sensors are written at the same wavelength and the interrogation unit receives a number of pulses from each grating. These pulses arrive at a time determined by the grating distance from the interrogator and one grating sensor can be distinguished from another by analysing the pulse arrival times. As a result, there is no need for a tuneable laser or filter and a single mask can be used to write all of the gratings, thus reducing both manufacturing and component costs.Findings – This design has led to lower costs and allows up to 100 strain or temperatur...
TL;DR: A new high sensitivity, nanotechnology‐based technique for detecting DNA and disease‐related proteins that can detect very low concentrations of DNA and proteins.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe a new high sensitivity, nanotechnology‐based technique for detecting DNA and disease‐related proteins.Design/methodology/approach – Gold nanoparticles and magnetic microparticles are bound to single‐stranded DNA molecules that are complementary to segments of the target DNA. The nanoparticles also link to hundreds of strands of “barcode” DNA and in the presence of the target, each molecule binds to a gold nanoparticle and a magnetic microparticle. Applying a magnetic field enables the separation of the target molecules and their attachments. The DNA is removed from the molecules and detected by a chip‐based DNA procedure. As each nanoparticle links to a large number of strands of DNA, the method amplifies the signal from each target molecule. The technique can also detect proteins by replacing the complimentary DNA with antibodies.Findings – This research shows that this technique can detect very low concentrations of DNA and proteins. Ten copies of anthrax DNA were detected in 30 μl...
TL;DR: A range of somewhat unusual machine vision applications, with an integrating overview, which include identification of animal species, visual counting of macadamia nuts, analysis of animal behaviour and a number of quality control functions.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper draws together a range of somewhat unusual machine vision applications, with an integrating overview.Design/methodology/approach – The National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture is amassing a portfolio of projects involving machine vision. These include identification of animal species, visual counting of macadamia nuts, analysis of animal behaviour and a number of quality control functions. DirectX tools have been developed and are applicable across a wide range of applications, while theory is extended in several ways.Findings – Most of the projects are still in progress, but results are reported on the degree of success of a range of methods. Strategies and algorithms are discussed.Research limitations/implications – Vision‐based solutions are applied to a diversity of tasks. There will be a continuing stream of such problems with abundant opportunities for research.Practical implications – The projects are in essence practical, although they have inspired new methodologies. The...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present two noncontact methods of measuring vibrations and impact events using high-speed CMOS cameras and laser Doppler vibrometers, which are used to analyse modes of failure and to test quality in a wide range of products.
Abstract: Purpose – To present two non‐contact methods of measuring vibrations and impact events.Design/methodology/approach – The paper concentrates on the practical capabilities and underlying technology of commercial high‐speed CMOS cameras and laser Doppler vibrometers.Findings – The instruments are used to analyse modes of failure and to test quality in a very wide range of products. They are also used to develop safety and protective devices, and to study natural phenomena.Originality/value – A practical guide to the tools available, with some example applications of interest to production engineers.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the capabilities of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for the fabrication of a wireless pressure sensor microsystem is presented, and the circuit requirements and methods of data transfer are examined.
Abstract: Purpose – Telemetry capsules have existed since the 1950s and were used to measure temperature, pH or pressure inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It was hoped that these capsules would replace invasive techniques in the diagnosis of function disorders in the GI tract. However, problems such as signal loss and uncertainty of the pills position limited their use in a clinical setting. In this paper, a review of the capabilities of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for the fabrication of a wireless pressure sensor microsystem is presented.Design/methodology/approach – The circuit requirements and methods of data transfer are examined. The available fabrication methods for MEMS sensors are also discussed and examples of wireless sensors are given. Finally, the drawbacks of using this technology are examined.Findings – MEMS for use in wireless monitoring of pressure in the GI tract have been investigated. It has been shown that capacitive pressure sensors are particularly suitable for this purpose. Se...
TL;DR: The instrumented spindle is demonstrated to provide valuable force feedback for fine grinding and is capable of resolving intra‐revolution force components for square alumina‐titanium carbide wafers.
Abstract: Purpose – The need for an instrumented grinding system that addresses the requirements of ductile regime machining of brittle materials is implemented. The static and dynamic stiffness of the structural loop of the grinding system meets or exceeds those of previous researchers. An instrumented spindle is introduced which features capacitance gages embedded in the stator of an air bearing spindle.Design/methodology/approach – The instrumented spindle is demonstrated to provide valuable force feedback for fine grinding and is capable of resolving intra‐revolution force components. Tests are performed to demonstrate the use of the instrumented spindle for ductile grinding of brittle materials with superabrasive wheels.Findings – The results of the test show that the instrumented spindle is capable of determining intra‐revolution force components for square alumina‐titanium carbide wafers.Originality/value – Outlines some important work developing and building instrumented spindles to aid the precision grindi...
TL;DR: A new approach for positioning a patient on the treatment table for radiation therapy sessions using lasers and cameras for positioning and has several advantages over the conventional methods is outlined.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper outlines a new approach for positioning a patient on the treatment table for radiation therapy sessions. The vision approach utilizes lasers and cameras for positioning and has several advantages over the conventional methods.Design/methodology/approach – The positioning is accomplished by comparison of a set of computed tomography (CT) contours (acquired from the patient) with a set of corresponding contours acquired by a 3D vision system from the same region of the patient's body. The overall positioning error calculated by the iterative closest point algorithm is used to reorient the treatment table. Various issues related to the acquisition and generation of the 3D spatial data are discussed.Findings – Positioning is accurate and can detect small movement in the patient's position.Research limitations/implications – Testing was done on a cast of a human torso and additional testing is required on in a hospital environment to fully test the efficiency of the approach.Practical impli...
TL;DR: In this paper, a multiplexed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system for structural integrity monitoring is described and field trials on both conventional and novel composite bridges are discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper describes a recent collaborative project involving the development of a multiplexed fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system for structural integrity monitoring.Design/methodology/approach – The system is described and field trials on both conventional and novel composite bridges are discussed. A FBG sensor‐based structural monitoring system was developed, based on a fluorescent fibre as the optical source. It used a tuneable, fibre‐coupled, Fabry‐Perot filter, actuated by piezoelectric transducers and operated over the bandwidth of the source at up to 250 scans/second. Light from the source was filtered and reflected back from the Bragg gratings, through optical couplers, to eight photodiode detectors. These detected the resulting time‐domain spectra of the sensors in each of the serially connected sensor arrays. The system was tested at City University and then subjected to trials on the Mjosund road bridge in Norway and on West Mill bridge in Oxfordshire, UK, which is the first brid...
TL;DR: In this article, a load cell and a torque transducer with stiffness and potential overload capability some ten times that of existing load cells and torque transducers based on the resistance strain gauges are reported.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper reports on a novel load cell and a novel torque transducer having stiffness and potential overload capability some ten times that of existing load cells and torque transducers based on the resistance strain gauges.Design/methodology/approach – Describes the practical capabilities and technology – the design, construction and characterisation.Findings – Both the load cell and the torque transducer use recently developed metallic triple beam resonators with thick‐film lead zirconate titanate (PZT) drives and pickups. The advantages of this technology are frequency output, high overload capability, high sensitivity, high resolution, and low‐cost manufacture. Both the load cell and torque transducer output large changes in frequency (>500 Hz for relatively low changes in strain level i.e. <200 microstrain for the load cell and <400 microstrain for the torque transducer), providing high sensitivity and high overload capability.Practical implications – Load cells and torque transducers empl...
TL;DR: In this paper, the discovery of waveguides capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies was made by a research group at Rice University whilst working on apertureless, near-field THz microscopy.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper describes the discovery of waveguides capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Until now this has not been possible, despite extensive research.Design/methodology/approach – The discovery was made by a research group at Rice University whilst working on apertureless, near‐field THz microscopy. By chance, the group found that bare metal wires are capable of transmitting THz radiation to and from remote samples with virtually no dispersion and little attenuation.Findings – This discovery allows THz waves to be taken directly to and from the source and detector and eliminates the need for objects to be positioned directly in the THz beam. It also overcomes problems associated with shock and vibration. Subsequently, the group used this phenomenon to develop the world's first prototype THz‐frequency endoscope, which was used to examine a glass flask.Originality/value – The availability of THz waveguides will allow many new applications to be realise...
TL;DR: In this article, a new substrate for use in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is described, which is produced by the nanometre-scale patterning of gold surfaces on silicon.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe a new substrate for use in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).Design/methodology/approach – Novel SERS substrates have been produced by the nanometre‐scale patterning of gold surfaces on silicon. This forms photonic crystals which tightly control the physics of the surface enhanced Raman amplification process, producing consistent SERS signals.Findings – It has been shown that these substrates can increase significantly the sensitivity and reproducibility of SERS.Originality/value – These substrates will allow SERS to be used in critical applications requiring high sensitivity detection of chemical compounds such as security, forensics, healthcare and environmental monitoring.
TL;DR: In this paper, a vision-based co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) was developed in France by ActiCM, which has undergone successful trials with car maker Renault.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe a new vision‐based co‐ordinate measuring machine (CMM) developed in France by ActiCM, which has undergone successful trials with car maker Renault.Design/methodology/approach – The vision‐based CMM uses intelligent vision devices (IVDs) which are mounted on a robot arm. Each IVD has two high‐definition CCD cameras, a visible LED illumination source and a white light projector. Up to eight sensors can work simultaneously on the same part which the IVDs' cameras can image from two different and known positions. These two views are then geometrically manipulated by the device software using photogrammetry to extract 3D data.Findings – Trials at a Renault car production plant have shown that the system can validate a car's body shape in significantly less time than is possible with conventional CMMs. The time for a 2,000‐element validation has been reduced from around 10 to 2 h, with a dimensional accuracy of 300 μm.Originality/value – This illustrates that vision‐based CMMs are able to ...