Engineers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have developed a groundbreaking millimeter-wave radar sensor that can detect movements just 100th the width of a human hair. This sensor, which is only the size of a sesame seed, has the potential for use in various industries, including security, biometric monitoring, and assisting the blind.
Millimeter-wave radar technology operates on frequencies between microwaves and infrared, making it ideal for accurate detection of minuscule motions from microscopic objects. However, previous sensors have faced challenges with power consumption and filtering out background noise.
The UC Davis team has successfully addressed both of these issues with their innovative device. By modifying the sensor’s topology, unwanted noise can be subtracted from measurements, allowing the sensor to detect changes in a target’s position that are 100th the width of a human hair. Additionally, it can detect vibrations down to 1,000th of a hair, showcasing its exceptional precision.
What sets this sensor apart from others with similar accuracy is its compact size. Measuring about the size of a sesame seed, it is significantly smaller and more energy-efficient. Furthermore, its design allows for relatively simple production.
One notable application of this sensor is in agriculture. The researchers believe that it can effectively detect a plant’s level of hydration by tracking minute changes in leaf thickness. This detection method has the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry by providing valuable insights into plant health and water requirements.
Beyond agriculture, the sensor’s uses extend to monitoring the structural integrity of buildings and enhancing virtual reality systems. Its small size, accuracy, and energy efficiency make it a versatile tool with immense potential.
Moving forward, the UC Davis team plans to further refine the design of the sensor while also allowing other scientists to experiment with it. With continued advancements, this sesame seed-sized radar sensor has the potential to make significant contributions to various fields, revolutionizing the way we approach security, biometrics, and aiding the visually impaired.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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