https://jsss.copernicus.org/articles/ Recent articles of the journal Journal of Sensors and Sensor Systems https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-155-2026 <b>High-resolution characterization of the size-of-source effect via a continuously variable aperture</b><br> Miguel-David Mendez-Bohorquez, Robert Schmoll, and Andreas Kroll<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 155–166, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-155-2026, 2026<br> The size-of-source effect (SSE) is a systematic error requiring slow labor-intensive measurements. We propose a continuous approach using an iris diaphragm. Our method matched the accuracy of the traditional discrete method while providing more data and a reduction in measurement time. The method has no significant sensitivity to frame rate changes. Transient responses were observed using a neutral density filter, raising questions on how to measure and correct SSE in such configurations. 2026-08-06T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-141-2026 <b>Development and optimization of an OF-CEAS system for stable isotopic ratio analysis of methane (δ13C-CH4) in the mid-infrared</b><br> Cem Dinc, Ponkanok Nitzsche, Jens Goldschmidt, Christian Weber, Leonard Nitzsche, Katrin Schmitt, and Jürgen Wöllenstein<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 141–154, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-141-2026, 2026<br> Methane plays an important role in global warming, and tracing its sources requires precise analysis of its isotopic fingerprint. In this study, we demonstrate the foundation of a system based on optical feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy that achieves the stability needed for accurate isotope measurements. This work shows the potential of the method for future climate studies and environmental monitoring. 2026-07-15T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-133-2026 <b>Application of artificial intelligence to determine the phase fraction of welded duplex steels using neural networks with partial use of augmented data</b><br> Leon Kaufhold, Julia Wichmann, Galina Polte, and Thomas Schroeter<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 133–140, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-133-2026, 2026<br> This article describes the determination of ferrite and austenite proportions in the weld zone of duplex steels using image processing and neural networks. These proportions allow conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the weld. For this purpose, neural networks of different architectures were applied to various image data configurations of metallography images. Depending on the architecture and application of the networks, error rates of 2 % to 3 % were achieved, which met expectations. 2026-07-13T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-115-2026 <b>Three-dimensional density field reconstruction of vehicle exhaust plumes using 3D gas schlieren imaging sensor system for remote emission sensing applications</b><br> Hafiz Hashim Imtiaz, Thomas Forstinger, Paul Schaffer, Martin Kupper, and Alexander Bergmann<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 115–132, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-115-2026, 2026<br> We present a 3D gas schlieren imaging sensor (3D-GSIS) for reconstructing vehicle exhaust plume density fields. It estimates plume size, laser absorption path lengths, intersection points of lasers, and local densities. Combined with advanced remote emission sensing, it enables direct measurement of pollutant concentrations in exhaust plumes. 2026-07-01T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-99-2026 <b>Non-contacting determination of the piezoelectric coefficient d33 of lithium tantalate from room temperature up to 400 °C</b><br> Hendrik Wulfmeier, Niklas Warnecke, Dhyan Kohlmann, and Holger Fritze<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 99–113, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-99-2026, 2026<br> A non-contact, optical methodology suitable for high temperatures based on laser-Doppler vibrometry is presented to directly determine piezoelectric constants. LiTaO3 is chosen as a model material as it is a representative piezoelectric material with applications in sensors and surface acoustic wave devices. The values determined range from 12 pm V-1 at 21 °C to about 15 pm V-1 at 400 °C, being in good agreement with the literature. Thus, the proof of concept for this approach has been obtained. 2026-06-25T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-89-2026 <b>Towards high-frame-rate data acquisition for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging with high signal-to-noise ratio</b><br> Sebastian Kindorf, Fabio Gutmann, Christian Weber, Benedikt Bierer, Jürgen Wöllenstein, and Chris Stoeckel<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 89–97, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-89-2026, 2026<br> We present an eight-channel evaluation board for ultrasound sonography and photoacoustic imaging. High frame rates enable averaging, improving signal-to-noise ratio. The board integrates a programmable preamplifier and an analog front-end with 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion, with data transmitted via Ethernet for PC evaluation. Gain distribution and its effect on signal-to-noise ratio in a multichannel photoacoustic receive chain are quantitatively characterized at 540 frames per second. 2026-05-28T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-77-2026 <b>Towards fully automated metrological traceability in process monitoring: a demonstrator approach highlighting the benefits of Digital Calibration Certificates (DCCs)</b><br> Nanine Brunner, Marcus Thomas, Dominic Deuber, Carlo Tiebe, and Michael Melzer<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 77–87, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-77-2026, 2026<br> Automation in measurement tracking improves quality management by reducing human interaction and manual data risks. To enable this, all metrological and administrative data in quality certificates must be machine-readable. Digital calibration certificates (DCCs) meet this need and enable fully automated compliance checks. A temperature-monitoring demonstrator illustrates their automation potential. Its code is published for reuse. 2026-04-28T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-67-2026 <b>In situ casting of polyvinyl chloride membranes in agar-bridged extended-gate field effect transistor sensors</b><br> Zahrah Jobran Alqahtani, Martin Grell, and Abeer Alqurashi<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 67–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-67-2026, 2026<br> We developed a simple and versatile sensor that can detect harmful substances more effectively. By improving how the sensor's key component, the membrane, is made, we matched it better with the materials used to capture target chemicals. This makes the sensor easier to build and more reliable. Our work shows how choosing the right membrane material can greatly improve performance, opening the way for broader applications in detecting pollutants. 2026-03-31T21:44:46+02:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-53-2026 <b>Active Q factor control of MEMS cantilevers by integrated piezoelectric transducers for high-speed AFM applications under vacuum</b><br> Martin Fischeneder, Michael Schneider, and Ulrich Schmid<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 53–65, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-53-2026, 2026<br> Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) enable sub-nanometer surface imaging and complement each other's limitations. Integrating AFM into a SEM vacuum chamber combines their strengths. However, vacuum increases the cantilever's Q factor and reduces scan speed. We develop a feedback circuit and a piezoelectric MEMS cantilever to tune the Q factor, enabling vacuum AFM at air-like speeds. 2026-03-23T21:44:46+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-47-2026 <b>Adaptive accuracy enhancement for a simultaneously firing optical position sensor</b><br> Eduard Burian<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 47–52, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-47-2026, 2026<br> This paper is related to a theoretical background and the performance testing of lateral position sensing based on quadrature spatio-temporal modulation with adaptive parameter correction, implemented in a prototype micropower optical position sensor. There is a substantial improvement in position readout accuracy over a basic detection method (0.2 mm for sensing gaps >100 mm), and elevated tolerance to harsh field conditions (e.g. partial blockage in optical paths) has been demonstrated.  2026-03-18T21:44:46+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-35-2026 <b>Inline gas-phase sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in polyolefin recycling</b><br> Wolfhard Reimringer, Helen Haug, and Tilman Sauerwald<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 35–46, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-35-2026, 2026<br> This article presents first results from our research on the improvement of post-consumer recycled plastics in a suitable measurement situation on the compounding extruder, where the material is molten and by-products are removed by a vacuum. An extraction system was implemented, and samples were analyzed with laboratory methods. The results give insight into occurring substances and show the feasibility of the technique. Guidelines for an online sampling and monitoring system are derived. 2026-03-04T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-27-2026 <b>Recognising wild animals on roads: multisensor systems for accident avoidance</b><br> Michael Schneider, Hubert Mantz, Thomas Walter, Mike Montoya-Capote, Jonas Berger, Andreas Reichel, and Nils Hollmach<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 27–33, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-27-2026, 2026<br> 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. 2026-02-19T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-23-2026 <b>Towards exclusive use of SI units in sensor systems</b><br> Joaquín Valdés and Héctor Manuel Laiz<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 23–26, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-23-2026, 2026<br> 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. 2026-02-16T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-1-2026 <b>Detection of geomagnetically induced currents on single phases in power grids using a fiber optic current sensor system</b><br> Johannes Mandl, Philipp Trampitsch, Alexander Fröhlich, Reinhard Klambauer, and Alexander Bergmann<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 1–8, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-1-2026, 2026<br> 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. 2026-01-08T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-9-2026 <b>Automated contactless characterization of local thin film thickness and film stress with standard MEMS structures at wafer level</b><br> Dominik Huber, Christoph Schallert, Andre Gesing, Doris Steinmüller-Nethl, Georg Pfusterschmied, and Ulrich Schmid<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 9–21, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-9-2026, 2026<br> 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. 2026-01-08T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-285-2025 <b>Underwater object detection using capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs)</b><br> Meghana Vishwanatha, Karman Selvam, Nooshin Saeidi, Maik Wiemer, and Harald Kuhn<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 285–296, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-285-2025, 2025<br> This research investigates the use of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs) for underwater object detection and mapping in shallow-water environments. Experiments demonstrated their ability to detect small objects ( up to 4mm in size) and accurately reconstruct complex 3D surfaces. The findings highlight their potential for high-resolution underwater applications, especially for those requiring economic, compact, portable solutions. 2025-11-24T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-275-2025 <b>Flow measurement by means of wideband acoustic signals in single-mode waveguides</b><br> Jorge M. Monsalve, Marcel Jongmanns, Sandro G. Koch, and Harald Schenk<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 275–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-275-2025, 2025<br> In this article we present a new method to measure the flow of a gas by means of ultrasound waves. Instead of sending pulses across the cross-section of the pipe, we make ultrasound travel along the length of the pipe. In other words, the pipe becomes an acoustic waveguide. This has the advantage that the travelling distance can become much longer, and so the measurement of the transit time becomes more sensitive to changes in the flow or the speed of sound. 2025-11-20T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-265-2025 <b>Conceptual design of additive manufactured capacitive displacement sensors for adaptive pin array grippers</b><br> Steffen Schröder, Thomas M. Wendt, and Stefan J. Rupitsch<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 265–273, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-265-2025, 2025<br> This research presents a capacitive displacement sensor concept, designed for integration into a pin array gripper. The design is optimised for additive manufacturing, offering new design possibilities and enabling the creation of fully additive manufactured pin grippers with integrated displacement sensors. A prototype sensor was fabricated using additive manufacturing, and experimental results confirm the simulations and the functionality of the fabricated sensor for different pin materials. 2025-11-18T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-259-2025 <b>Silicon-based strain gauge sensors embedded in composite structures for real-time strain and creep analysis</b><br> Gaëtan Herry, William Caroba, Maxime Harnois, and France Le Bihan<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 259–264, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-259-2025, 2025<br> This study demonstrates how integrating silicon mechanical sensors into composites enables the detection of internal structural variations and how this can find applications in process monitoring or structural health monitoring (SHM). It introduces a novel, minimally intrusive process for embedding sensors within composites by means of a substrate-free transfer technique. Temperature and strain effects are studied. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and is able to detect a creep effect at the core of the composite. 2025-10-28T21:44:47+01:00 https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-249-2025 <b>Reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) human energy harvester towards hybridisation with piezoelectricity for self-powered wearable biosensors</b><br> Sotiria D. Psoma, Ihor Sobianin, and Antonios Tourlidakis<br> J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 249–258, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-249-2025, 2025<br> The concept of an innovative energy harvester that could combine piezoelectric and reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) techniques is presented. By harnessing biomechanical vibrations from the cardiovascular system with piezoelectricity and a REWOD unit, the overall power output of the harvester was enhanced. This contributes to the advancement of self-powered, sustainable, wearable biosensors, enabling seamless and continuous data acquisition without relying on external batteries. 2025-10-27T21:44:47+01:00