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"IEEE Sensors Alert" is a pilot project of the IEEE Sensors Council. Started as one of its new initiatives, this weekly digest publishes teasers and condensed versions of our journal papers in layperson's language.
Articles Posted in the Month (September 2025)
A Wearable Multisensor Fusion System for Neuroprosthetic Hand
Author: Liu Honghai, Meng Jianjun, Ding Han, Guo Weichao, Shi Shang, Yang Xingchen, Yin Zongtian
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 8, April 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Liu Honghai (Author)
Getting a near-natural control from neuroprosthetic hands is challenging. This study introduces a compact, wearable multisensor system that integrates ultrasound, surface electromyography (sEMG), and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors to improve prosthetic hand control. Ultrasound and EMG model gestures, sEMG detects resting states, and the IMU filters unintended movements like shaking. The system's small size allows seamless integration into prosthetic sockets, and control strategies enhance stability, offering an improved experience for amputees.
An Open-Path Optical Sensor for Hydrogen Sulfide and Methane Detection by QCL
Author: Li Jun, Fan Binbin, Hao Le, Jaworski Piotr, Luan Guohua, Ma Tian, Wang Zhen, Zeng Qingjie, Zhai Xiaowei, Zhang Jiarui
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 5, March 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Saurabh Dubey
A Quantum Cascade Laser–based open-path optical sensor enables real-time, precise, and high-sensitivity detection of harmful hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and methane (CH₄) gases up to 50 m and a response time of 3.4 s. Resistant to water vapor interference, it delivers a strong signal-to-noise ratio, surpassing traditional sensors. Ideal for remote oilfields, refineries, and hazardous sites, it ensures reliable long-range monitoring with future IoT integration and multi-gas detection for enhanced industrial safety.
Nonlinear Behavioral Model of Capacitive MEMS Microphone for Predicting Ultrasound Intermodulation Distortion
Author: Rahaman Ashiqur, Albahri Shehab, Boor Steven, Bradt Christopher, Lee Sung B.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 1, January 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Ashiqur Rahaman (Author)
Ultrasound intermodulation distortion (IMD) in microphones, particularly in hearing aids, can lead to audible distortions around ultrasonic devices. The primary source of this nonlinearity is the micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer. This paper explores how specific design features of capacitive MEMS microphones affect IMD using a nonlinear behavioral model to reduce distortion while maintaining acoustic performance. The optimized design shows 15 dB IMD reduction at 20 kHz, providing excellent electro-acoustic characteristics.
Design and Simulation Analysis of Electrolyte-Gated Aluminum Oxide Organic Thin-Film Transistor Biosensor for High Sensitivity
Author: Wadhwa Girish, Proto Antonino, Taibi Angelo, Thakur Anchal
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 6, March 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Payal Savani
The pH sensor has various applications in environmental, industrial, and healthcare monitoring. This paper introduces an electrolyte-gated aluminum oxide organic thin-film transistor (EG-Al₂O₃ OTFT) biosensor with a pentacene structure designed for highly sensitive detection. Using aluminum oxide improved stability, sensitivity, and low-voltage operation. The biosensor detects biomolecules by converting biochemical interactions into electrical signals. This low-cost, flexible, efficient device can prove to be a reliable biosensing for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 4, February 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Gutierrez-rojas Daniel (Author)
As industrial systems grow more complex powered by wireless sensor networks (WSNs), effective anomaly detection becomes essential. This paper introduces a smart, explainable framework to detect and classify anomalies in WSN-enabled Cyber-Physical Systems. Enhanced by novel explainable AI (XAI) techniques, the model incorporates data acquisition, fusion, and analytics. The results show high accuracy and reliability with reduced risks, faster fault correction, enhanced efficiency, system security, and resilience against cyber threats.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 5, March 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Kamalesh Tripathy
Transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) are essential for sensing applications that require accurate current-to-voltage conversion, such as biosensing, materials analysis, and device testing. Conventional TIA designs face trade-offs between gain, bandwidth, noise, and chip area. This paper introduces a programmable TIA fabricated in 65-nm Si-CMOS for high-capacitance inputs, using active feedback to achieve high effective resistance. The result is a compact, efficient, and flexible solution ideal for modern high-capacitance sensor interfaces.
Substrate Effects on the Transient Chemiresistive Gas Sensing Performance of Monolayer Graphene
Author: Fahrenthold Eric, Doshi Manasi, Zhang Jie
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 3, February 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Eric P. Fahrenthold (Author)
The substrate supporting monolayer graphene profoundly impacts its electronic properties and electrochemical response. Using a novel, non-contact eddy current method, the researchers show that different substrates dope the graphene in different ways, altering its conductivity, and can reverse how it reacts to gas exposure. This approach offers a fast, non-destructive method for qualitative assessment of low-dimensional materials and provides practical insights for sensor design.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 3, February 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Saurabh Dubey
Health monitoring systems integrated into vehicles improve road safety. This paper presents a novel reflective photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor designed for in-vehicle heart rate monitoring. Embedded in the backrest of the vehicle's seat, the device provides non-intrusive, regular, and accurate heart rate monitoring with minimal motion or clothing interference. It is ideal for in-vehicle health monitoring applications that monitor heart rate, stress, and fatigue, thus enhancing driver comfort and safety.
Temperature-sensing methods with high sensitivity and quick response times are crucial for applications that require real-time temperature monitoring in challenging conditions. This paper introduces a novel optical fiber temperature sensor with a silicon Fabry-Pérot cavity attached to a single-mode fiber tip that achieves high sensitivity (84.6 pm/°C), exceptional resolution (0.0006°C), and a fast response time of 0.51 ms. The innovative design and performance metrics make it ideal for dynamic environments.
Tradeoff Between the Number of Transmitted Molecules and the BER Performance in Molecular Communication Between Bionanosensors
Author: Eckford Andrew, Jing Dongliang, Li Linjuan, Lin Lin
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 1, January 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Anupama
Molecular communication (MC) uses bionanosensors to transmit data using molecules. Due to limited transmitter resources, optimizing communication efficiency is critical. This study analyzes the relationship between the number of transmitted molecules and the bit error rate (BER). It introduces a balance function and uses a Gradient Descent Algorithm to find an optimal tradeoff. Results highlight a tunable framework for balancing communication reliability and molecular resource usage, benefiting applications in defense, healthcare, entertainment, and biosensing.
The recent COVID outbreaks highlighted the need for breathing rate monitoring and increased the demand for hospitalized patients. Monitoring breathing rate is vital for diagnosing diseases and observing patients with pulmonary conditions. The pros and cons of different techniques are studied and categorized under contact and remote modes of respiratory monitoring systems. Various Radar-based methods found to be more suitable for respiration monitoring are discussed.
After years of existence and research efforts, dielectric materials in non-contact bioelectrodes guarantee the hope and survival of patients with heart abnormalities. Without painful skin abrasion, cardiac monitoring devices could reliably ensure constant care and well-being of patients. The researchers provide invaluable insights into the influence of dielectric materials that could change the future of ECG monitoring systems.
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