Posted: January 21, 2010

Applications of micro and nanosensors in security, health and environmental monitoring

(Nanowerk News) The industrial and research role of sensors and associated instrumentation technologies has never been greater. However, industry demands are increasingly stringent and sophisticated, requiring innovative development of sensor technology. Nanotechnology can drive the advances needed to achieve these market demands. Novel tools, techniques and materials mean that the next generation of sensors will be smaller, have increased sensitivity, require specific functions, and consume less power.
Micro and Nano Sensors Interest Group (MiNSIG) of the Sensors & Instrumentation KTN is organising a conference and exhibition titled 'Applications of Micro and Nanosensors in Security, Health and Environmental Monitoring' which will be held on the 4th of March 2010 at National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK. This one-day event will showcase novel sensing technologies developed by UK companies and Universities leading to new applications in Security, Health and Environmental Monitoring.
The event will see leading industrial leaders and scientists sharing their vision of the impacts of micro and nanotechnology in sensing and providing a window on their activities. The keynote speaker at the event is Dr. Dr J.W. Hans Hofstraat, Vice President Philips Research, who will highlight some of the important developments in nanotechnology and sensor applications including future challenges, trends and opportunities. The second keynote speaker is Dr. Frank Turnbull, the Chief Engineer of Honeywell Sensing and Control, who will give an account of the requirements and opportunities for novel sensor developers. Dr. Michaela Clark of Selex Galileo will present an overview on how they worked with a small start up nanotechnology company to develop a new product for chemical sensing and will review the expectations, benefits, risks, outcomes and lessons learnt from such a collaboration.
The other key speakers include Dr Matt Mowlem from National Oceanography Centre, Southampton who will outline the applications of lab-on-a-chip sensors for marine environmental sensing; Dr Erwan Normand, CTO of Cascade technologies will present how quantum cascade laser based sensors can be used for environmental monitoring and homeland security applications; a novel platform technology for the rapid detection of DNAs will be demonstrated by Dr John Clarkson, CEO of Atlas Genetics.
The event will also see presentations on innovative sensing technologies and its successful deployment from the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, University of Surrey and National Physical Laboratory.
The event promises plenty of networking opportunities and is a vital place to be for sensing and instrumentation companies.
Source: National Physical Laboratory