Tutorials

Time	Title Name, Institution	Title Name, Institution
08:00 – 08:30	Registration
08:30 – 09:20	Terahertz sensing technology MICHAEL S. SHUR ECSE and Physics Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA	Sensing at the nanoscale – chemical gas sensors based on quasi 1D nanowires CAMILLA BARATTO SENSOR Lab, National Council for Researcher - National Institute of Optics (CNR-INO), Italy
09:20 – 10:10	Inertial microsensors ANDREI M. SHKEL University of California, Irvine, USA	Smart gas sensors for mobile applications JAN MITROVICS JLM Innovation GmbH, Germany
10:10 – 10:30	Mid-Morning Break
10:30 – 11:20	Expeditions in self-powered sensing SHANTANU CHAKRABARTTY School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, USA	Emerging frontiers of breath analysis CRISTINA DAVIS University of California, Davis, USA
11:20 – 12:10	Context-aware, ultra-low power, energy harvested IoT sensor nodes ARIJIT RAYCHOWDHURY School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA   SHREYAS SEN ECE, Prudue University, USA	Human gas capsules KOUROSH KALANTAR-ZADEH RMIT, School of Engineering, Center for Advance Electronics and Sensors (CADES), Australia
12:10 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:20	Photonic electric field sensors   JAMES E. TONEY SRICO, Inc., USA	Machine olfaction technologies - odor sensing system and olfactory display TAKAMICHI NAKAMOTO Institute of Innovation Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
14:20 – 15:10	Optical fiber manipulations using nanomaterials: a way towards miniaturized smart sensors SANGEETA KALE Department of Applied Physics, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, India	Bending mode acoustic transducers MARK SHEPLAK Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, University of Florida, USA
15:10 – 15:30	Afternoon Break
15:30 – 16:20	BIOFOS: micro-ring resonator-based biophotonic system for food analysis IOANNA ZERGIOTI Associate Professor, School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Greece	3D-printing: technology, materials and selected applications VASSILI KARANASSIOS Professor, Deparment of Chemistry, University Waterloo, Canada
16:20 – 17:10	Scanning micromirrors and their sensing applications HUIKAI XIE University of Florida, USA	Sustainability in sensors and sensor systems technologies DENISE WILSON Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, USA

Terahertz sensing technology

MICHAEL S. SHUR

Abstract: Terahertz sensing is enabling technology for detection of biological and chemical hazardous agents, cancer detection, detection of mines and explosives, providing security in buildings, airports, and other public space, short-range covert communications (in THz and sub-THz windows), and applications in radioastronomy and space research. I will review the-state-of-the-art of existing THz sources, detectors, and sensing systems and prospects for novel emerging devices enabling terahertz electronics for sensing applications. Two-terminal semiconductor devices are capable of operating at the low bound of the THz range, with the frequencies up to a few terahertz achieved using Schottky diode frequency multipliers. High-speed three terminal electronic devices (FETs and HBTs) are approaching the THz range (with cutoff frequencies and maximum frequencies of operation above 1 THz and close to 0.5 GHz for InGaAs and Si technologies, respectively).  A new approach called plasma wave electronics recently demonstrated terahertz emission and detection in GaAs-based and GaN-based HEMTs and in Si MOS and SOI, including the resonant THz detection. Graphene and 2D materials “beyond graphene” have also emerged as candidates for plasmonic THz detectors, modulators, and emitters. Emerging THz electronic devices have potential to revolutionize THz sensing technology.

Sensing at the nanoscale – chemical gas sensors based on quasi 1D nanowires

CAMILLA BARATTO

Abstract: Chemical sensing with metal oxides semiconductors relies on the variation of the electrical conductivity or photoluminescence of the material with the composition of the surrounding gas atmosphere. Nowadays quasi-one dimensional (Q1D) structures of metal oxides are produced by nanotechnology in a variety of morphologies such as nanowires, core–shell nanowires, nanotubes, hierarchical structures, nanorods. In the field of gas sensor this lead to an increased stability coupled to very high surface available for interaction with gases. Due to reduced dimensionality, surface effects dominate, which leads to the enhancement of the surface related properties, such as catalytic activity or surface adsorption: key properties for superior chemical sensors production. Different measurements configuration will be discussed, from bundle of nanowires to the single nanowire devices, taking into account advantages and drawbacks for obtaining a stable and highly sensible device. As a matter of fact to counterbalance the increased stability of the material, contacting may be challenging (and drifting), especially in the case of single nanowire devices. To reduce power consumption, self-heating effect can be exploited. In this mode of operation, the power dissipated by the probing voltage applied to measure the resistance heats up the sensor material.

Inertial microsensors

ANDREI M. SHKEL

Abstract: This tutorial will layout methods for the analysis and design of inertial micromachined sensors. The aim of the tutorial is to provide students with a solid foundation in the theory of inertial measurement instruments, introduce them to design fundamentals, and to provide them with design recipes for implementation of inertial instruments on the micro-scale. In part one of the tutorial, the dynamics of the vibratory gyroscope sensing element is developed, microfabrication processes and methods commonly used in inertial sensor production are summarized, design of mechanical structures for both Angular Rate and Whole Angle Mode are presented, and electrical actuation and detection methods are discussed along with details on experimental characterization of MEMS gyroscopes. In part two of the tutorial, design concepts that improve sensitivity and robustness of the micromachined sensing element are introduced, supported by constructive computational examples and experimental results illustrating the material.

Smart gas sensors for mobile applications

JAN MITROVICS

Abstract: A new generation of gas sensors is being brought to the market in response to the mobile revolution (smart phones, wearables, Internet of Things). With smart phone production in the multi million per year, gas sensor manufacturers are eager to participate in this new, growing market. This requires providing full solutions that are easy to integrate, due to the fast development cycles in mobile markets and the limited knowledge on gas sensors of their customers. These sensors must provide simple digital interfaces to reduce integration time, and the manufacturers must provide application know-how to solve the end user application. With all the buzz and hype that surrounds the mobile market it is somewhat surprising that mobile phones with gas sensors have not conquered the market. The promise of gas sensors warning users about chemical hazards and poor air quality, diagnosing disease, and helping them stay healthy is appealing.  However, as simple as these concepts seem, it can be challenging to achieve acceptable performance with a sensor that may only be a few millimeters in size, consume few milliwatts and cost no more than few dollars. Picking the right applications and managing customer and end-user expectations is therefore crucial for commercial success. While early applications are focusing on simpler tasks, the advance technologies in smartphones and IoT devices will pave roads to a new set of applications, where data fusion and connectivity are key to success. In this tutorial we will explore technical requirements for smart gas sensors targeting these markets, give examples of existing sensors and application, and provide an outlook on future applications and the challenges that need to be overcome through new research and development.

Expeditions in self-powered sensing

SHANTANU CHAKRABARTTY

Abstract: Advances in miniaturization are enabling novel sensing technologies that promise breakthroughs in all areas of science and engineering. Nowhere is the impact more evident than in the areas of structural and biomedical engineering where integration of “smart” sensors with novel material fabrics are promising new generation of implants, prosthetics and smart structures. However, long-term operation requires these sensors to operate without batteries, whereas embedded and implanted operation requires that these sensors occupy as small volume as possible. Unfortunately, the small volume requirement also severely limits the capacity of energy storage or energy harvesting devices that can be integrated with the sensor. As a result, currently there exists a wide gap between the energy that can be scavenged from the sensors ambient environment and the energy density required for sensing computing and communication. One possible approach towards addressing this challenge is to investigate novel materials with high energy transduction and storage capabilities. An alternate approach, which is the focus of this tutorial, is to explore self-powered sensors and processors whose energy dissipation matches the energy that can be harvested from real-world structures and ambient sources. The tutorial will explore different types of self-powered sensors that operate at different power dissipation scales ranging from microwatts to femtowatts. The first part of this tutorial will introduce the fundamentals of self powering and describe traditional and emerging methods of energy scavenging techniques using application specific case-studies. The second part of the tutorial will focus on sensing techniques that operate at fundamental limits of self powering. These sensors operate at power levels ranging from a few nanowatts down to femtowatts where conventional energy harvesting methods do not apply. Using application specific case-studies the tutorial will demonstrate how the fundamental limit can be approached by combining the physics of sensing, computation and storage.

Context-Aware, Ultra-Low Power, Energy Harvested IoT Sensor Nodes

ARIJIT RAYCHOWDHURY & SHREYAS SEN

Abstract: The widespread proliferation of sensor nodes in the IoT paradigm coupled with increasing sensor fidelity and data-acquisition modality is expected to generate 3+ Exabytes (one billion gigabytes) of data per day by 2018. Some of the data will be acquired and classified in-situ by the sensor front-end; and  relevant information needs to be communicated to the edge of the cloud in real-time with the minimum amount of energy. The communication fabrics that will handle this enormous amount of IoT workload will need to be energy-efficient under a wide dynamic range of process, voltage and temperature corners; as well as under changing contexts like channel conditions, applications, QoS and data-rate requirements. Moreover, the IoT devices will often include multiple parallel communication fabrics like wired, proximity, mm-wave, 5G, Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRa, BTLE etc. We will discuss how self-learning can enable contextaware communication in adaptive sensors to allow minimum energy/information for any given communication scenario. The methodology for performance vs. energy trade-off through context-aware operation within and among multiple PHYs are applicable for a wide variety of sensor modalities and order(s) of magnitude changes (b/s to hundreds of Mb/s) in data-rate and latency requirements. Such energy-efficient communication (Shannon’s Law) along with low-power computing (Moore’s Law), is expected to harness the true potential of the IoT revolution with swarm of distributed and connected sensors and produce dramatic societal impact.

Emerging frontiers of breath analysis

CRISTINA DAVIS

Abstract: A wide range of both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-volatile metabolites are generated by almost all biological systems, and are now thought to represent end products associated with organism physiology and metabolism.  This applies to many different types of systems ranging from humans, bacteria, trees and plants. In humans, several thousand metabolic chemical compounds have been detected in exhaled human breath and appear to relate to health and disease status.  Because of this, human “breath analysis” provides a wide range of opportunities for diagnosis of pathophysiological conditions in a non-invasive and potentially inexpensive way.  We hypothesize that specific breath metabolites are associated with specific human diseases.  By monitoring for emitted chemicals in exhaled breath, we can develop tools for early stage asymptomatic diagnostics that can lead to early therapy and treatment. Groups across the world are working to develop multiple approaches to create miniature analytical sensor modules capable of integration into a single portable device for human diagnostic systems.  Final system integration of devices is expected to yield analyzers that are specifically tailored for each application, have small footprints, and be adapted for field and clinic use.

Major areas of interest include:

1. identification of robust chemical biomarkers associated with diseases of interest;
2. miniaturization to produce small, portable and easy-to-use “micro-total-analysis” (TAS) chemical analysis systems; and
3. advanced chemometric algorithms and digital signal processing methods.  Together, all of these research thrusts areas are expected to produce the first generation of mobile breath analysis devices in upcoming years.  Ultimately these devices will be fully utilized in medical point-of-care locations in clinical offices.

Human gas capsules

KOUROSH KALANTAR-ZADEH

Abstract: A fast growing research area in gastroenterology is the establishment of correlations between the gastrointestinal tract gas constituents and health. Current methods of investigation predominantly rely on indirect gas measurements such as breath testing, recently developed gas by stool analyses and to a much lesser degree direct sampling of gases produced inside the intestinal tract. However, there remains potential to improve accuracy and develop greater understanding of the significance of the relationship between gas and disease states. The first requirement, frequently overlooked, in sensing gas constituents of gastrointestinal tract is an understanding of currently available technologies for acquiring accurate and reliable data.

This requires consideration of many factors:

1. an interdisciplinary knowledge of the gas sensing technologies, relevant electronics and enabling analytical software;
2. the cost and complexity of administration;
3. the influence of different environments (breath, gastrointestinal tract and faecal gas analyses) on sensor output;
4. the demographic, health and dietary profile of the individual and
5. an eventual exploration of the relationships between gastrointestinal tract gas constituents, gut micro-organisms and health status.

Tutorial Structure

This tutorial provides a comprehensive perspective on the measurement technologies for breath analysis, sampling inside the gastrointestinal tract and obtaining gas species produced by faecal samples. Technologies suitable for each measurement technology as well as how gas constituents and microorganism associate with health are discussed. The technological challenges and suggestions, providing pathways towards future gas measurement systems for human health assessments and diagnostics are presented.

Photonic electric field sensors

JAMES E. TONEY

Abstract: Photonic methods for electric field sensing have been demonstrated across the electromagnetic spectrum from near-DC to millimeter waves, and at field strengths from microvolts-per-meter to megavolts-per-meter. The advantages of the photonic approach include a high degree of electrical isolation, wide bandwidth, minimum perturbation of the incident field, and the ability to operate in harsh environments. Applications of this technology span a wide range of frequencies and field strengths.  They include, at the high-frequency/high-field end, measurement of high-power electromagnetic pulses, and at the low-frequency/low-field end, monitoring of electrophysiological signals. The demands of these applications continue to spur the development of novel materials and device structures to achieve increased sensitivity, wider bandwidth, and greater high-field measurement capability. This tutorial will explain the basic principles of electric field sensing by the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate and similar materials, with emphasis on optical waveguide-based devices. After a review of the linear electro-optic effect and the basic device structures that employ it,  time and frequency domain measurement techniques and the appropriate applications of each will be discussed. Fundamental noise limitations, shape effects, and their relationship to device sensitivity and linearity will be explained. The tutorial will present several current directions in photonic electric field sensing technology, including micro- and nanofabrication techniques.

Machine olfaction technologies - odor sensing system and olfactory display

TAKAMICHI NAKAMOTO

Abstract: Machine olfaction has been studies for a few decades. An essence of machine olfaction made up of odor sensing system often called electronic nose and olfactory display is explained in this tutorial.
First, biological mechanism of olfaction followed by the explanation of an odor sensing system is introduced.  In an odor sensing system, an output pattern of multiple sensors with partially overlapping specificities is recognized using multivariate analysis or neural network. A variety of sensing devices such as Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Surface Acoustic Wave device, cantilever device, metal oxide device, conducting polymer, MOS FET, optical devices etc are introduced. Moreover, odor biosensors utlizing Olfactory Receptor are shown. Then, several techniques, i,e., Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Clustering, Discrimination Analysis, Learning Vector Quantization, Self-Organizing Map, Multi-Layer Perceptron, Support Vector Machine to analyze the data from a sensor array as well as deep learning technique for machine olfaction is explained.  Another type of odor sensing is an odor source localization. A robot with chemical sense is briefly explained.
Thereafter, a gadget called olfactory display is introduced. An olfactory display is mainly studied in virtual reality. After the explanation of several methods to generate scents, the methods to realize multi-component olfactory display including a wearable olfactory display are shown. Then, the application of olfactory display such as movie with scents, game with scents etc are explained. Another fundamental technique is the exploration of odor components to cover wide range of odors. The method to extract basis vectors corresponding to odor components from large amount of mass-spectrum data using NMF (Nonnegative Matrix Factorization) is explained.
Final part is the fusion of odor sensing system and olfactory display. The fundamental study of an odor recorder to reproduce smells as well as to record it is introduced. Then, the prototype to realize teleolfaction and its fundamental experiment is shown.

Optical fiber manipulations using nanomaterials: a way towards miniaturized smart sensors

SANGEETA KALE

Abstract: The domain of sensors is primarily dominated by potentiometric, capacitive, inductive, electromagnetic and optical sensors. There has been tremendous progress in all these areas and with the advent of MEMS/NEMS and microfluidic technologies, the sensors have become better in terms of efficiency, speed, repeatability, size and selectivity. The results are seen in all recent instrumentation and electronic devices. However, as the challenges to all current technologies are always unlimited, novel materials bring in new properties which can be used to make the current sensors better in all facets of their property-domain. Nanomaterials have been an emerging category of materials science, which has revolutionalized each aspect of science and technology.  These materials have changed the existing sensors technology for the better. One of the fields has been the optical fiber based sensors. Optical fibers have been used for various applications for quite a long time, mainly for structural health monitoring, communication and other opto-electronic applications. The exploitation of optical fiber’s basic properties such as total internal reflection, mode theory, birefringence (in various interferometric modes), lightweight and high bandwidth has been mainly restricted to their constructions and arrangements in the optical subsystem. However, by juxtaposing nanomaterials in this system, the new dimension of science evolve and the same optical subsystem fetches application in much wider regime; such as chemical and biological sensors, low frequency detections, low electric and magnetic field detections and so on. Furthermore, due to the use of photons, which are em-interference free particles, the sensors find applications in intensive EMI zone, high temperature, high corrosion, high pressure and high voltage areas. This tutorial will address few such applications of optical fiber based sensors. Various different types of optical fibers and their optical configurations in various modes will be discussed. These would include normal (single mode, multimode, step/graded index fibers) and speciality fibers (such as photonic crystal fibers (PCF), polarization maintaining PCF). Different methodologies used to couple nanomaterials to these fibers would be discussed; including clad-manipulation, mirror manipulation and grating-manipulation. Various interferometric modes would be employed with proper optics arrangements (such as Mach-Zehnder, Michelson, Sagnac, Fabry-Perot). The systems would be explained to work for low electric/magnetic field detections, toxic gases and chemical detections, automobile fuel detection and low-frequency detections. Nanomaterials of iron oxide (Fe3O4), zinc oxide (ZnO), lithium niobate and magnesium oxide (MgO) would be addressed as probable nanomaterials. Evolution and manipulation of birefringence pattern, via variations of optical path-lengths in the sensor system, fringe visibility, use of fast and slow-axis in PCF are correlated to the refractive index and dielectric constant variation of sensor, upon subjecting them to applied sensing environment, will be discussed in this tutorial.

References:

[1]  Mach-Zehnder interferometric photonic crystal fiber for low acoustic frequency detections, Dnyandeo Pawar, Ch. N. Rao, Ravi Kant Choubey, S. N. Kale, Appl. Phys. Lett. 108, 041912 (2016)

[2]  Lithium Niobate nanoparticles-coated Y-coupler optical Fiber for enhanced electro-optic sensitivity, Ch. N. Rao, S. B. Sagar, N. G. Harshitha, Radhamanohar Aepuru, S. Premkumar, H S Panda, R. K. Choubey, S. N. Kale, Optics Letters, 40, 491 (2015)

[3]  Defect induced magneto-optic properties of MgO nanoparticles realized as optical-fiber-based low-field magnetic sensor, Ch. N. Rao, V. Raghevendra Reddy, Ram Janay Chaudhary, S.N. Kale, Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 151107 (2013).

[4]  Lithium Niobate Nanoparticulate Clad on the Core of Single Mode Optical Fiber for Temperature and Magnetic Field Sensing, Ch. N. Rao, Anoopam Bharadwaj, Suwarna Datar and S.N. Kale, Appl. Phys. Lett. 101, 043102 (2012)

[5]  Sensitive weak magnetic field sensor based on Cobalt nanoparticles deposited in the microtunnels of PM-PCF optical fiber, Swati Gupta, Sandipan Nalawade, Shadie Hatamie, HV Thakur, S.N. Kale, AIP Conf. Proc.  1391, 437 (2011) 

[6]  Photonic crystal fiber injected with Fe3O4 nanofluid for magnetic field detection,  Harneet V. Thakur, Sandipan M. Nalawade, Swati Gupta, Rohini Kitture, S. N. Kale Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 161101 (2011)

Bending mode acoustic transducers

MARK SHEP

Abstract: This tuorial provides a basic overview of bending mode acoustic sensors.  The first part of the tutorial presents the fundamental theory of acoustics as applied to transducer modeling.   Low-frequency lumped element models are developed to enable electroacoustic equivalent circuit representation of canonical acoustic circuit elements in transducers.  The second part of the tutorial focuses on specific acoustic sensors and actuator applications.  Traditional performance metrics are presented and micromachined transducers solutions reviewed for both commercial and scientific applications.

BIOFOS: micro-ring resonator-based biophotonic system for food analysis

IOANNA ZERGIOTI

Abstract: BIOFOS EU project is developing a simple, fast, low-cost, sensitive, portable and reliable, screening tool for in-situ detection of food contaminations in nuts, olive oil and milk and also for the quantitative detection of lactose in milk. In this aspect, BIOFOS combines the most promising concepts from the photonic, biological, nanochemical and fluidic parts of Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) systems, aiming to achieve low sensitivity and high specificity, excellent reliability and compactness. Current methodologies for detection of food contamination based on heavy analytical tools cannot guarantee a safe and stable food supply. The need for screening tools that will be still reliable but simple, fast, low-cost, sensitive and portable for in-situ application is thus urgent. BIOFOS aims to address this need through a high-added value, reusable biosensor system based on optical interference and lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technology. BIOFOS relies on the ultra-low loss TriPleX Si3N4 photonic platform in order to integrate, on a single chip, 8 micro-ring resonators, a VCSEL and Si photodiodes, and achieve a record detection limit in the change of the refractive index of 10-7 RIU. The system is based on optical interference sensing chips, ensuring high reliability and accuracy while the use of aptamers (oligonucleotide or peptide molecules) as biotransducers gives highly specific detection and the potential of 30 times reusability. For immobilizing the biorecognition elements onto the sensing area of the chips, advanced surface and laser functionalization techniques are developed. Sample pre-treatment processes and microfluidic structures are being developed with significant advantages over other methods used until now, without the requirement of dangerous reagents and complicated processes, capable to be utilized by no specialised personnel. The device utilises biosensors to detect up to seven contaminants present in the food sectors analysed: pesticides (phosmet) and metals (copper) in olive oil, antibiotics (penicillin) and lactose in milk and mycotoxins in milk (aflatoxin M1) and in nuts (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A).

3D-printing: technology, materials and selected applications

VASSILI KARANASSIOS

Abstract: The last several years, 3D printing has been receiving significant attention in the popular press and in the scientific and engineering literature [1].  To many, 3D printing is perceived as a transformative technology capable of impacting many areas of science, medicine (including dentistry and drug design) and technology.  Also, 3D printing is often described as a tool that has the potential to alter traditional rapid prototyping and manufacturing approaches. In this tutorial, 3D printing will be explained and 3D printing technology will be described in some detail.  Subsequently, materials used for 3D printing will be discussed and selected applications will be described.  Applications will be drawn from the engineering and scientific literature and from the author's laboratory [1].  Toward the end of this tutorial, potential future directions of 3D printing will be outlined and general comments of societal and economic impact of 3D printing will be made.

[1] R. Shatford and V. Karanassios, "3D printing in chemistry: past, present and future", Proc. SPIE 9855, 98550B (2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2224404 [10 pages].

[2] X. Zhang and V. Karanassios, "Rapid prototyping of solar-powered, battery-operated, atmospheric-pressure, sugar-cube size microplasma on hybrid, 3D chips for elemental analysis of liquid microsamples using a portable optical emission spectrometer", Proc. SPIE 8366, 83660D (2012); doi:10.1117/12.919550 [9-pages]

[3] S. Weagant, L. Li and V. Karanassios, "Rapid prototyping of hybrid, plastic-quartz
3D-chips for battery-operated microplasmas", Chapter 10, INTECH Open Access Publisher (2011).

Scanning micromirrors and their sensing applications

HUIKAI XIE

Abstract: Scanning micromirrors are MEMS devices that can steer, modulate and switch light. In addition to being widely used in portable projectors, scanning micromirrors can be applied in numerous sensing applications such as laser beam steering, 3D mapping, micro-lidar, micro-spectrometers, compressive sensing cameras, and endomicroscopy. In all these applications, scanning micromirrors are the enabling device for miniaturization and integration. In this tutorial, the principles of electrostatic, electromagnetic, electrothermal and piezoelectric actuation mechanisms will be first introduced. Then the designs and fabrication technologies of various MEMS mirrors based on these actuation mechanisms will be presented. After that, four application areas will be discussed in detail, including micro-lidar, micro-spectrometers, compressive sensing cameras, and endomicroscopy. For each application area, theoretical background and the state of th art will be briefly reviewed, followed by a more compressive introduction of one or two specific examples. Finally, the remaining challenges, development trends and more potential applications of scanning micromirrors will be discussed.

Sustainability in sensors and sensor systems technologies

DENISE WILSON

Abstract: In a world that is broadly influenced by technology, engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate level are increasingly called upon to integrate sustainability concerns into courses and curricula in a meaningful way. Education research shows that the more seamlessly sustainability is integrated into engineering courses, the more students are likely to accept and buy into these topics as part of a meaningful engineering education.  However, many mainstream courses in traditional engineering curricula are not well suited to such seamless integration. Sensors and sensor systems, whether taught in a stand-alone course or as part of an embedded systems or similar course, offer a unique and valuable opportunity to include sustainability into engineering education. Often through their targeted application and intended use, sensors and sensor systems have easily accessible and readily understood social, economic, and environmental impacts and consequences that together form the foundation of globally accepted, three-pillar definitions of sustainability.

This tutorial will look at how sensors and sensor systems instruction can be leveraged to include sustainability in a rich and meaningful way.  This tutorial is not only intended for faculty and other educators, but also for those who seek to better understand how to better incorporate sustainability into research, development, and other work with sensors and sensor systems.   Tutorial topics include:

• An overview of what sustainability means in engineering design practice.
• Unique opportunities provided by sensors and sensor systems to include the three pillars of global sustainability through the social, environmental, and economic impacts of technology. 
• Examples of how sensor and sensor system applications and devices (including those still in the research phase) can be used to support exploring and understanding sustainability. 
• Access to ready-to-go educational materials that support teaching of sustainability within a sensors and sensor systems context or outside of it in other engineering contexts.