The Electronic Nanomaterials and Devices research group of NTUA has developed a strain sensor which is defined by a pair of interdigitated metallic electrodes with nanoparticles being deposited in the gap between them and arranged in a 2-D configuration. This sensor exhibits much higher sensitivity than conventional metal film sensors, indeed comparable to that of semiconducting strain sensors.

This project will explore fabrication and real time reading of nanoparticle sensor arrays. The proposed high sensitivity, strain sensor arrays show potential for monitoring deformations to estimate structural fatigue and for the early detection of cracks in large marine, aerospace and civil structures enhancing safety. Other application areas include vehicles and train rails, safety equipment, environmental monitoring, homeland security as well as robotics and prosthetics.