Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Fabrication and Testing of Photonic Thermometers
Published on: October 24, 2018
Temperature Sensing Shape Morphing Antenna (ShMoA)
Wenxin Zeng1,2, Wei Wang1,2, Sameer Sonkusale1,2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
Abstract:
Devices that can morph their functions on demand provide a rich yet unexplored paradigm for the next generation of electronic devices and sensors. For example, an antenna that can morph its shape can be used to adapt communication to different wireless standards or improve wireless signal reception. We utilize temperature-sensitive shape memory alloys (SMA) to realize a shape morphing antenna (ShMoA). In the designed architecture, multiple conjoined shape memory alloy sections form the antenna. The shape morphing of this antenna is achieved through temperature control. Different temperature threshold levels are used for programming the shape. Besides its conventional use for RF applications, ShMoA can serve as a multi-level temperature sensor, analogous to thermoreceptors in an insect antenna. ShMoA essentially combines the function of temperature sensing, embedded computing for detection of threshold crossings, and radio frequency readout, all in the single construct of a shape-morphing antenna (ShMoA) without the need for any battery or peripheral electronics. The ShMoA can be employed as bio-inspired wireless temperature sensing antennae on mobile robotic flies, insects, drones and other robots. It can also be deployed as programmable antennas for multi-standard wireless communication.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Thermosensation
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
02:44Heating and Cooling Curves
For instance, the addition of heat raises the temperature of a solid; the amount of heat absorbed depends on the heat capacity of the solid (q = mcsolidΔT). According to thermochemistry, the relation between the amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance, q, and its...