In a significant stride towards advancing smart wearable technology, researchers have developed a novel magnetic pressure sensor that combines an ultralow detection limit with a broad sensing range. This breakthrough, published in the journal *npj Flexible Electronics* (translated as “柔性电子学报”), could have profound implications for various industries, including energy, healthcare, and robotics.
The research, led by Huiyun Xiao from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Jinggangshan University, introduces a magnetic amorphous-wire pressure sensor (MAWPS) that employs a unique multilayer architecture. This design generates a tunable magnetic-field configuration, enabling the sensor to detect pressures ranging from as low as 2.4 Pa to over 300 kPa.
The key to this innovation lies in the sensor’s dual-component structure: the force-to-magnetic conversion unit (FMCU) and the magnetic sensing unit (MSU). The FMCU incorporates a composite magneto-elastomer with cilia-type and film-type structures, each with opposite magnetization orientations. “The magnetic cilia, with their low modulus, allow us to detect subtle pressures, while the higher-modulus magnetic films modulate the magnetic field under larger pressures,” explains Xiao. This cooperative mechanism ensures that the magnetic field remains within the sensitive range of the MSU, which uses a magnetic amorphous wire to detect changes.
The implications of this research are vast. In the energy sector, for instance, such sensors could be integrated into smart grids to monitor pressure changes in pipelines and equipment, enhancing safety and efficiency. “The ability to detect both subtle and significant pressure changes within a single device opens up new possibilities for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance,” says Xiao.
Moreover, the sensor’s rapid response and excellent stability make it ideal for wearable health monitors, robotic systems, and even industrial applications. The asymmetric wire placement also enables shear-direction sensing, adding another layer of functionality.
As the world continues to embrace the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies, innovations like the MAWPS pave the way for more responsive, efficient, and integrated systems. This research not only pushes the boundaries of sensor technology but also sets the stage for future developments in various industries, driving progress and innovation.
In the words of Huiyun Xiao, “This is just the beginning. The potential applications of this technology are vast, and we are excited to explore them further.”