Single-photon sensors, also known as single-photon detectors (SPDs), enable the precise detection and manipulation of individual photons, which can serve as quantum information carriers, or qubits, in photonic quantum computers (PQCs). PQCs are a type of measurement-based quantum computing (MBQC) that promises highly scalable systems and operates at room temperature. Instead of using quantum gates, […]
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How can you make a sensor invisible?
Many sensors appear in plain sight, such as in cameras or home security systems’ presence/motion detectors. However, some are disguised in other products, such as a rearview mirror (camera) in a car or a smartphone. Specifically, the iPhone has 15 or more sensors embedded in its cell phone package design. Designers continue to find out-of-sight, […]
Why are cryogenic microwave power measurements important for quantum computing?
Cryogenic (cryo) microwave (µw) power measurements are vital for advancing quantum computing. Delicate quantum devices require operation at cryo temperatures to maintain coherence and stability. Accurate power measurements at cryo temperatures are also required to optimize and debug quantum hardware. This article begins by reviewing cryo zones in a quantum computer and the related µw […]
Beyond the drivetrain: sensor innovation in automotive
By Karsten Köhler, Business Development Manager at TDK-Micronas The auto industry is amid two transformative trends: the gradual transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric motors and drivetrains and the ongoing development of driver assistance and self-driving features. Sensor technology is famously integral to both trends, but electrification and assisted driving account for only […]
How are VCSELs used in biomedical sensors?
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are used in biomedical sensors because they emit highly focused, coherent light at specific wavelengths, enabling precise detection and analysis of biomolecules. Applications include blood oxygen level monitoring, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for imaging tissue structures, fluorescence microscopy, and analysis of live biomolecules in lab-on-a-chip systems. VCSELs offer a third option […]
What sensors are needed to fly hypersonic missiles?
Maneuverability and guidance systems, not just raw speed, are key differentiators for hypersonic missiles. That requires aerodynamic pressure sensors, optical sensors, inertial sensors, space-based tracking, infrared sensors, and more. All are combined into a single guidance system using sensor fusion. This article reviews the sensor types for hypersonic guidance, navigation, and target acquisition systems. Hypersonic […]
What sensors are needed to counter the hypersonic threat?
The old analogy of missile defense as “hitting a bullet with a bullet” no longer applies. The muzzle velocity of bullets is “only” 1,800 mph. A hypersonic missile travels at about 3,900 mph, twice as fast. A bullet can’t catch a hypersonic missile! To implement a hypersonic missile defense, it takes a comprehensive suite of […]
How does an electronic tongue sense: part 2
Part 1 showed two production techniques for electronic- or E-tongues. Researchers are busy investigating ways to use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) in conjunction with new sensing techniques to provide even more capabilities to E-tongues. Sensing for food problems To detect food fraud, spoilage, and contamination within minutes, researchers at Penn State University developed their version […]
How does an electronic tongue sense: part 1
When sensors that detect the five senses, hearing, sight, feeling, smell, and taste, are discussed, the one that usually gets mentioned the least is taste. Electronic ears, eyes, touch, and noses have far more available products than electronic tongues – but that could change. Like many sensors, the underlying technology for an electronic tongue (or […]
What are the mathematics that enable sensor fusion?
The mathematics that enable sensor fusion include probabilistic modeling and statistical estimation using Bayesian inference and techniques like particle filters, Kalman filters, and α-β-γ filters, which allow for combining data from multiple sensors while accounting for noise and uncertainty to produce a more accurate overall picture of a system or environment. Neural networks (NNs) are […]
