: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)
Sensors are used today almost everywhere. Radar guns bounce microwaves off moving cars. A burglar alarm may use a photosensor to detect when a beam of light has been broken, or may use ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off moving objects. Still other sensors may detect pressure (barometers) or chemicals (Breathalyzers and smoke detectors). Stud finders, used by carpenters to locate wooden studs under a wall, may employ magnets or radar. Wired gloves, which relay information about the position of the fingers, are used in virtual-reality environments. A cheap car alarm may be nothing but a shock sensor, in which a strong vibration will cause two metal surfaces to come together.
Image sensors are used in digital cameras.Infrared sensors can track an object's movement.
Recent Examples on the WebThere's a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and larger pixels at 1.9 microns. Samuel Axon And Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 7 Sep. 2022 After missing the first launch window due to a problem with an engine temperature sensor, NASA is aiming to try again at 2:17pm Eastern time on Sept. 3. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 2 Sep. 2022 Also, the Galaxy Watch 5 models come with a temperature sensor. Chris Smith, BGR, 12 Aug. 2022 And while earlier versions of the Fold had cameras that were mostly just OK for the price, Samsung went with an improved 50-megapixel sensor to help the Z Fold 4′s main camera capture more detail in photos and video. Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2022 The row is completed with a fingerprint sensor for logging in through Windows Hello. Michael J. Miller, PCMAG, 28 July 2022 Volvo's Advanced Air Cleaner technology comes with a sensor that measures PM2.5 levels inside the cabin. Bymorgan Korn, ABC News, 26 June 2022 The lab of Yulong Li at Peking University in Beijing has developed many of these sensors, beginning with the first sensor for the neuromodulator acetylcholine in 2018.Quanta Magazine, 22 Mar. 2022 Monday’s attempt was halted by a bad engine sensor and leaking fuel. Marcia Dunn, Chron, 3 Sep. 2022 See More