Scientists Stalk New Force Sensors in Crystals

A recent breakthrough has led to the development of tiny crystals that can be used as force sensors. This discovery could have significant implications for various fields, including technology and medicine.

Researchers at a university have successfully turned light into these tiny crystals, which can detect changes in pressure or stress. The process involves applying light to a crystal structure, causing it to undergo a phase transition that creates the desired properties.

The new force sensors are capable of detecting extremely small forces, making them ideal for applications such as wearables and medical devices. Their compact size and high sensitivity also enable precise measurements, which can be used in fields like biomechanics and material science.

While more research is needed to fully understand the capabilities of these crystals, this breakthrough marks an exciting step forward in the development of new materials with unique properties.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-04103-9