A Nanoscale Pressure Sensor
15 March 2007, 10:21
Categories: energy smt-energy-piezoelectric
Zinc oxide nanowires are extremely sensitive to tiny forces. When a small force bends a nanowire, the stretched outer side of the bent wire becomes positively charged, while the compressed inner surface becomes negatively charged. The difference in charges creates a voltage; it is an effect that is similar to stressing piezoelectric materials to generate electricity. Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology say that this principle could be used to make small pressure sensors that can be implanted in the body (zinc oxide is biocompatible) and on automobiles, aircraft and space shuttles.
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Posted by: The Editors
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