Novel Sensors and Sensing

Citation

Bogue, R. (2005), "Novel Sensors and Sensing", Sensor Review, Vol. 25 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2005.08725aae.001

Novel Sensors and Sensing

R.G. Jackson2004299 pp.0-7503-0989-X£65.00, $100.00 (hardcover)Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP)www.bookmarkphysics.iop.org

Keywords: Sensors, Semiconductors, Fibre optics, Flow

This is the latest volume in the IOPP's "Series in Sensors" and as with previous publications in this series, it concentrates on a number of specific topics rather than attempting to cover the overall sensor field. In this case, these include many that are presently the subject of the greatest research efforts, namely resonator sensors, semiconductor sensors (silicon and other solid-state), optical fibre sensors and intelligent sensors. Three further chapters consider instrumentation systems, sensor signal characterisation and new developments in flow sensing.

Whilst the emphasis is on research and sensors that remain at the development stage, the chapters and most sections start with useful historical background data and include a detailed consideration of the various sensing phenomena and the underlying theory. Although long established types of sensors such as thermocouples and metallic strain gauges are excluded, the author often provides information on sensors that have more recently been commercialised and also includes various market data which help to place the topics in a commercial context. Physical sensing receives by far the greatest attention but sensors which respond to chemical compounds in the aqueous phase, such as ISFETs, are also considered, as are some classes of gas sensors such as coated SAWSs and various optical devices, albeit in far less detail. Biosensors receive scant coverage but this is not a real criticism: many existing texts cover this large and highly specialised field, including a number already published in this series. The chapters are all clearly written and each provides a wealth of technically detailed information. They conclude with a list of references and sometimes a short bibliography, together with some exercises the latter reflecting that this volume arose in part from a series of undergraduate lectures by the author at the Bolton Institute.

As well as considering a range of specific and topical developments, this book succeeds in providing the reader with an excellent insight into the broader field of sensor science and technology. As such, it will be of use to physical science/engineering undergraduates, and post-graduates alike, who wish to familiarise themselves with the underlying principles of, and recent developments in, this rapidly developing field. It will also be useful for industrialists and others seeking to understand the scientific principles, phenomena and technologies that underpin existing and emerging sensor generations. Overall, this book is a worthy addition to the IOPP's sensor series.

Robert Bogue