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
For decades, humans have modeled technology on observations of the natural world. But new discoveries about nature—and ...
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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
Researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed a brand new AI that ...
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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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Wyze's new motion and contact sensor kit secures your home for just $20
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What's a time-of-flight (ToF) camera and why's it on my phone?
Ever wondered what a time-of-flight (ToF) camera is? And what it does? Well, worry no more, we've got the answers for you. ...
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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
I’m not a particularly vain person. Despite my interest in the beauty industry, I find eye shadow a bit terrifying. I'm ...
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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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