JSSS - recent articles

In situ casting of polyvinyl chloride membranes in agar-bridged extended-gate field effect transistor sensors

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:16:20 +0200

In situ casting of polyvinyl chloride membranes in agar-bridged extended-gate field effect transistor sensors
Zahrah Jobran Alqahtani, Martin Grell, and Abeer Alqurashi
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 67–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-67-2026, 2026
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.

Active Q factor control of MEMS cantilevers by integrated piezoelectric transducers for high-speed AFM applications under vacuum

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Active Q factor control of MEMS cantilevers by integrated piezoelectric transducers for high-speed AFM applications under vacuum
Martin Fischeneder, Michael Schneider, and Ulrich Schmid
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 53–65, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-53-2026, 2026
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.

Adaptive accuracy enhancement for a simultaneously firing optical position sensor

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Adaptive accuracy enhancement for a simultaneously firing optical position sensor
Eduard Burian
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 47–52, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-47-2026, 2026
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.

Inline gas-phase sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in polyolefin recycling

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Inline gas-phase sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in polyolefin recycling
Wolfhard Reimringer, Helen Haug, and Tilman Sauerwald
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 35–46, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-35-2026, 2026
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.

Recognising wild animals on roads: multisensor systems for accident avoidance

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Recognising wild animals on roads: multisensor systems for accident avoidance
Michael Schneider, Hubert Mantz, Thomas Walter, Mike Montoya-Capote, Jonas Berger, Andreas Reichel, and Nils Hollmach
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 27–33, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-27-2026, 2026
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.

Towards exclusive use of SI units in sensor systems

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Towards exclusive use of SI units in sensor systems
Joaquín Valdés and Héctor Manuel Laiz
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 23–26, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-23-2026, 2026
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.

Detection of geomagnetically induced currents on single phases in power grids using a fiber optic current sensor system

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Detection of geomagnetically induced currents on single phases in power grids using a fiber optic current sensor system
Johannes Mandl, Philipp Trampitsch, Alexander Fröhlich, Reinhard Klambauer, and Alexander Bergmann
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 1–8, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-1-2026, 2026
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.

Automated contactless characterization of local thin film thickness and film stress with standard MEMS structures at wafer level

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:16:20 +0100

Automated contactless characterization of local thin film thickness and film stress with standard MEMS structures at wafer level
Dominik Huber, Christoph Schallert, Andre Gesing, Doris Steinmüller-Nethl, Georg Pfusterschmied, and Ulrich Schmid
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 15, 9–21, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-15-9-2026, 2026
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.

Underwater object detection using capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:16:20 +0100

Underwater object detection using capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs)
Meghana Vishwanatha, Karman Selvam, Nooshin Saeidi, Maik Wiemer, and Harald Kuhn
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 285–296, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-285-2025, 2025
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.

Flow measurement by means of wideband acoustic signals in single-mode waveguides

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:16:20 +0100

Flow measurement by means of wideband acoustic signals in single-mode waveguides
Jorge M. Monsalve, Marcel Jongmanns, Sandro G. Koch, and Harald Schenk
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 275–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-275-2025, 2025
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.

Conceptual design of additive manufactured capacitive displacement sensors for adaptive pin array grippers

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:16:20 +0100

Conceptual design of additive manufactured capacitive displacement sensors for adaptive pin array grippers
Steffen Schröder, Thomas M. Wendt, and Stefan J. Rupitsch
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 265–273, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-265-2025, 2025
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.

Silicon-based strain gauge sensors embedded in composite structures for real-time strain and creep analysis

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0100

Silicon-based strain gauge sensors embedded in composite structures for real-time strain and creep analysis
Gaëtan Herry, William Caroba, Maxime Harnois, and France Le Bihan
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 259–264, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-259-2025, 2025
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.

Reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) human energy harvester towards hybridisation with piezoelectricity for self-powered wearable biosensors

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0100

Reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) human energy harvester towards hybridisation with piezoelectricity for self-powered wearable biosensors
Sotiria D. Psoma, Ihor Sobianin, and Antonios Tourlidakis
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 249–258, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-249-2025, 2025
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.

Experimental setup to study poisoning effects of different materials on chemical sensors used in E-nose systems

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0200

Experimental setup to study poisoning effects of different materials on chemical sensors used in E-nose systems
Beatrice Julia Lotesoriere, Stefano Robbiani, Ana Maria Tischer, Lucia Corrà, Emanuele Zanni, Anna Gianfranceschi, Lucia Giuffrida, Raffaele Dellacà, and Laura Capelli
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 237–247, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-237-2025, 2025
While electronic noses are designed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex odors, materials within sampling chambers and lines can emit their own gases, altering sensor responses. Our study confirmed that silicone and 3D-printed resin release compounds that poison sensors and reduce life span. In contrast, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a stable material that does not cause poisoning. Understanding these effects is crucial for designing reliable gas sensing platforms, ensuring accurate gas detection in different applications.

Local pressure field distribution of bistable PMUTs for distance sensing

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0200

Local pressure field distribution of bistable PMUTs for distance sensing
Michael Schneider, Mahdi Mortada, Dominik Mayrhofer, Manfred Kaltenbacher, and Ulrich Schmid
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 227–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-227-2025, 2025
Bistability is a mechanical phenomenon resulting in two stable, switchable states similar to a light switch. Micromachined piezoelectric bistable loudspeakers can utilize this effect to generate ultrasonic pulses with substantial loudness for applications such as distance measurements. In this work, we study different aspects of such a micromachined ultrasonic loudspeaker and demonstrate that such a device is feasible for ranging applications.

Development and analysis of microbridge resonators for reduced pull-in voltage and preserved resonant frequency

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0200

Development and analysis of microbridge resonators for reduced pull-in voltage and preserved resonant frequency
Haleh Nazemi, Michael Schembri, Youssef Elnemr, and Arezoo Emadi
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 219–225, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-219-2025, 2025
This research improves the performance of microbridge resonators for various applications, including gas sensing. By strategically designing the bottom electrode size relative to the microbridge length while keeping all other design parameters constant, the required operating voltage is reduced without compromising performance. Advanced modelling and experimental results demonstrate a 16 % reduction in operating voltage. These findings enhance resonator efficiency across diverse applications.

EyeOnWater Raspberry Pi: a do-it-yourself maker sensor system project to measure and classify natural water colour based on the Forel–Ule scale

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:16:20 +0200

EyeOnWater Raspberry Pi: a do-it-yourself maker sensor system project to measure and classify natural water colour based on the Forel–Ule scale
Nick Rüssmeier, Frederic Stahl, and Felix Becker
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 203–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-203-2025, 2025
The paper outlines a do-it-yourself optical sensor system for measuring water colour that can be used in citizen science projects to engage laypersons in science. The automated optical sensor system uses a camera with a Raspberry Pi computer to determine water colour according to the Forel–Ule colour scale. The collected data can be shared to the EyeOnWater database and used to provide insight and knowledge for further research in the fields of limnology and oceanology.

Development of an Internet of Things (IoT) embedded open-source gamma-ray detector using CMOS image sensor technology

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:16:20 +0200

Development of an Internet of Things (IoT) embedded open-source gamma-ray detector using CMOS image sensor technology
Damián Leonel Corzi, Jose Lipovetzky, and Mariano Gómez Berisso
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 197–202, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-197-2025, 2025
This project developed a low-cost, real-time portable device for measuring radiation. The device is based on a camera similar to those used in modern smartphones and includes the ability to connect to the internet, allowing users to access data through any web browser. The program files are available for download for educational purposes.

WaDA – water diplomacy automation: using blockchain, AI, and environment IoT for water management and climate action

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:16:20 +0200

WaDA – water diplomacy automation: using blockchain, AI, and environment IoT for water management and climate action
Jeet Biswas, Markus Haid, Ashutosh Bhalerao, Stephan Engelhardt, and Sebastian Lemke
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 187–196, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-187-2025, 2025
Globally, water has been the cause of the rise of civilization and also a cause of conflict. In this changing climate, managing water, the most precious commodity, has become a necessity. If we want to manage a resource properly, we need technology and data. With the innovative WAMO 300, a decentralised solution for this problem has been provided. WAMO 300, short for Water Monitor 300, acts as an IoT (Internet of Things) system that brings data from the physical world to the digital world.

Efficient hardware implementation of interpretable machine learning based on deep neural network representations for sensor data processing

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:16:20 +0200

Efficient hardware implementation of interpretable machine learning based on deep neural network representations for sensor data processing
Julian Schauer, Payman Goodarzi, Andreas Schütze, and Tizian Schneider
J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 14, 169–185, https://doi.org/10.5194/jsss-14-169-2025, 2025
Robust and interpretable machine learning algorithms, which have been proven in various applications, often lack efficient implementation on limited hardware. The novel approach is to convert the inference of the interpretable ML into a deep neural network, which is efficiently executable on edge hardware. This approach was validated in terms of runtime efficiency, memory requirements, and accuracy and resulted in a significant improvement in terms of runtime and memory requirements.