Parasitic direct currents in our alternating-current power grid affect the operation of power transformers. In this work, we present a fiber-optic current sensor system designed for the long-term monitoring of such direct currents, especially those arising from solar activity. The sensor demonstrator allows remote data access and sensor operation and was deployed at an electrical substation. For the first time, we show measurements of such currents on single phases of the power grid.

We present an automated, contactless method to map thin film thickness and stress across microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafers. Using white light interferometry on cantilevers and step profiles, we extract both mean and gradient stress with orientation sensitivity. Applied to six thin films, the approach reveals process-dependent variations, offering a reliable tool for evaluating and comparing MEMS materials and fabrication methods.

Humans continue to use various units of measurement that are outside the internationally accepted System of Units (SI). This creates confusion that machines are unable to overcome. In the future, machines and sensor systems feeding data to those machines are expected to operate exclusively using the SI. This requires an internationally authoritative database for converting the non-SI units that humans enter to SI units at the level of the human–machine interface or human–sensor interface.

More traffic leads to more accidents involving wildlife, especially on rural roadcuts through habitats. Solutions like wildlife bridges and fences are needed, but there is no comprehensive solution yet. We have developed a system to detect and assess wildlife, including deer. This technology can work at night and in fog as animals cross roads in poor visibility. Radar sensors and infrared cameras are our solution.