Small, based on flash memory, the multi purpose sensors, can detect everything from blood pressure to toxic compounds.



This speck of a sensor is as thin as human hair can detect following things:



1. Detect light

2. Pressure

3. Temperature

4. The presence of certain chemicals



This device uses the same flash memory technology, which is used in iPod.



That is why it employs wide variety of applications like:



1. Better drug-screening tests

2. The continuous monitoring of health organs and blood vessels

3. Tiny sensor for detecting chemicals in the environment



Edwin Kan, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Cornell University had invented this sensor which is now developing for commercial use by Transonic Systems in Ithaca.



This is first application, probably use for studying and monitoring blood flow, pressure and temperature. This sensor is so small and it consumes less power. It can implant permanently in human’s body along with a radio for communication and power source. By this we can continuously monitor the health of organs and levels of certain compounds.



The sensor is based on the transistors in flash memory. This memory is used in digital camera, electronics devices and cell phones. Flash memory stores information by changing the electrical charge in a structure called a floating gate.



This prototype sensor measures 100 micrometers on a side. The sensors communicate their information and receive power through wires. Adding a radio and power for a permanently implantable wireless device will increase the overall size to a couple of square millimeters.



Via: technologyreview