Abstracts » Engineering and manufacturing industries

Liquid crystals with a sense of smell

Article Abstract:

Liquid crystal sensors are being researched in the hope of finding a cheap and easy method of detecting biological and organic substances, to replace spectrometers. Substances which are soluble in liquid crystal show different behaviour when electrically excited. The Hull University Liquid Crystal Group, Hull, England, are working on chemical sensing technologies, in conjunction with the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, England. It is hoped the liquid crystals will eventually be used to monitor water and air purity.

United Kingdom, Universities and colleges, Schools, Liquid crystals

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Hydraulics have seen the light

Article Abstract:

Research into the development of optical flow sensors at Brunel University, UK, is described. The technology and potential applications of the new system which uses optical sensors to control hydraulic valves are explained.

Hydraulic engineering, Control equipment

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Move and tilt is better than balls

Article Abstract:

New tilt and movement sensor designs are outperforming micromachined silicon devices. The designs could switch significant currents, last virtually forever, and in some cases, cost just tens of pence.

United States, Science & research, Microelectromechanical systems

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