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Describes a passive, open‐path infrared gas detector that utilises thermal background radiation as the source. Explains its mode of operation, provides a specification and considers its route to market.

Describes a unique optical source, the quantum cascade laser (QCL) and its application to gas detection. The instruments can detect both nitric oxide and carbon monoxide at concentrations down to 10 ppb m at atmospheric temperature and pressure with a 1 m absorption path‐length. A QCL operating at 5.8 μm can be used during airborne surveys of atmospheric formaldehyde, a key intermediate in the oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons which contribute to the formation of ozone precursors.

Describes the development of low cost optical sensor systems for water quality monitoring developed under the “LOADMON” EU research programme. It uses two laser diodes as the sources: one emits blue light at 405 nm and the other red light at 670 nm. The former excites fluorescence of organic materials present in the sample and the red light creates a scatter signal from the suspended particles. The system uses a rotating mirror which allows the light spots to be swept across the sample's surface under computer control until they are below the detector.

Describes the use of a distributed optical temperature sensor, based on fibre Bragg grating technology, to monitor the temperature distribution of helium within a prototype airship.

Reviews the state of the UK gas sensor industry. Considers the nature and scale of university research and the extent to which this has been exploited by UK gas sensor companies. Discusses the background to many leading UK companies, together with details of a number of recent acquisitions and recently established companies and their technologies. Concludes with a summary of new and emerging market opportunities.

This paper, describes the development and application of a wireless‐based stress monitoring system. Application areas include railway track and rolling stock monitoring as well as large structures, such as oil rigs and bridges.

Reviews the Institute of Physics conference “Sensors & their Applications XI”, held at City University, UK in September 2001. Highlights a selection of key papers covering gas sensor arrays for fire detection, fibre optic sensors for structural strain monitoring and detection of biofouling, fluorescent sensor for detecting algae and thick film sensors for smartcard biometrics. Reviews briefly other papers and draws conclusions.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent progress into the development of biomimetic adhesives, particularly those that mimic the attachment mechanism of the gecko lizard's foot.

This paper first discusses the discovery of the gecko's adhesion mechanism. It then describes key “gecko glue” developments and summarises the properties of experimental adhesives that exploit this effect. It concludes with a consideration of anticipated applications.

This paper shows that, following the discovery of the gecko's adhesion mechanism in 2002, which is based on van der Waals forces, biomimetic adhesives have become the topic of a major research effort. These developments are poised to yield families of novel adhesive materials with superior properties which are likely to find uses in industries ranging from defence and nanotechnology to healthcare and sport.

The paper provides a unique insight into the latest developments in biomimetic adhesive technology.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent progress in the development of medical microrobots.

The paper first considers some of the critical aspects of medical microrobot design and then illustrates the present state of development through examples of prevailing research.

This paper shows that medical microrobot developments are at an early stage and involve a disparate family of technologies and disciplines, such as MEMS, nanotechnology, biomimetics and hydrodynamics. Critical design issues include power sources, propulsion and location, and many different schemes have been proposed. These are the topic of a growing body of academic research.

This paper provides a detailed insight into the present‐day state of medical microrobot technology and development.