Sensor science and technology are growing rapidly in response to an ever-increasing demand for faster, cheaper, smaller, and more sensitive means to monitor the chemical, biological, and physical world around us. The focus of the Sensor Division is chemical sensors, with secondary emphasis on biosensors, physical sensors, and the processing technology of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Sensors can have a global impact in many areas: environmental cleanup, industrial process control, emissions monitoring, aeronautical and space systems, planetary exploration, nonproliferation of weapons, screening for explosives and contraband, home and workplace safety, and medical diagnosis and care. The sensor provides some of the functionality of analytical instrumentation; but with vastly reduced cost, size, and power consumption, and ability for real-time, in situ measurement.
