A sensor (also called detector) is a converter that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated glass tube. A thermocouple converts temperature to an output voltage which can be read by a voltmeter. For accuracy, most sensors are calibrated against known standards.
All stories in Sensor
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CHEAP: Ditch your DSLR with this sleek Fujifilm mirrorless camera kit for $499
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Xiaomi put a wraparound screen and a 108MP camera on its insane Mi Mix Alpha phone
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Leak: Google's Pixel 4 could include an astrophotography mode
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This century-old oak tree is live-tweeting climate change
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How the hell does your phone's in-screen fingerprint scanner work?
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CHEAP: DAMN SON(Y), an A7 II camera for $898? Sign me the F up
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Animals and plants help engineers light up cities, detect explosives, and predict natural disasters
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CHEAP: Spit in the face of cleaning with 20% off iRobot's Roomba 690 vacuum
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MIT's new AI for robots can ‘feel’ an object just by seeing it
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Microsoft brings back the legendary IntelliMouse Explorer, now with a proper gaming sensor
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Leave your DSLR at home: The Huawei P30 Pro is the only camera a traveller needs
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Freshness sensors for milk could dramatically reduce waste
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The best use of body hacking might be in hospitals
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What's a time-of-flight (ToF) camera and why's it on my phone?
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How this Australian bank tracked 17,000 kilos of almonds with the blockchain
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Apple's new gas detection patent hints at an apocalypse-ready iPhone
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Review: This simplehuman smart mirror magnifies my face without making me want to puke
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Biohackers enhance sex with this vibrating implant for men
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Qualcomm is using ultrasound tech for a better in-display fingerprint sensor
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Full moon patents: US Navy tube drones and Facebook doppelgängers
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Why Indonesia’s tsunamis are so deadly, as explained by science
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This cheap bracelet could decrease your risk of developing skin cancer
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Everything Apple announced at its 2018 iPhone event
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The portable Nima Peanut Sensor stops nuts getting in your mouth
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Environmental crime is a huge invisible problem — IoT will expose it
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