Sensors and Sensing in Biology and Engineering [Paperback]

Biological sensors are usually remarkably small, sensitive and efficient. It is highly desirable to design corresponding artificial sensors for scientific, industrial and commercial purposes. This book is designed to fill an urgent need for interdisciplinary exchange between biologists studying sensors in the natural world and engineers and physical scientists developing artificial sensors. The main topics cover mechanical sensors, e.g. waves and sounds, visual sensors and vision and chemosensors. Readers will obtain a fuller understanding of the nature and performance of natural sensors as well as enhanced appreciation for the current status and the potential applicability of artificial microsensors.Biological sensors are usually remarkably small, sensitive and efficient. It is highly desirable to design corresponding artificial sensors for scientific, industrial and commercial purposes.This book is designed to fill an urgent need for interdisciplinary exchange between biologists studying sensors in the natural world and engineers and physical scientists developing artificial sensors. Contributions from leading scientists in this area, whether engineers or biologists, are written to be accessible to readers from these and other disciplines. The main topics cover mechanical sensors, visual sensors and vision and chemosensors. Readers will obtain a fuller understanding of the nature and performance of natural sensors as well as enhanced appreciation for the current status and the potential applicability of artificial microsensors.Friedrich G. Barth was awarded the Karl-Ritter-von-Frisch-Medaille at the 2003 Annual Conference of the German Zoological Society in Halle, Germany.INTRODUCTORY REMARKS Sensors and sensing: a biologist's view (F. G. Barth), Sensors and sensing: an engineer's view (H. Meixner) MECHANICAL SENSORS Waves, Sound and Vibrations How nature designs ears (A. Michelsen), How to build a microphone (P. Rasmussen), The middle and external ears of terrelc0