Frontiers in solid state biomedical transducers

The explosive advances recently made in microelectronics, microcomputers and instrumentation techniques have created a vast opportunity and demand for biomedical measurement and control systems. The lack of reliable biomedical transducers is one of the bottlenecks in realizing the potential for better biomedical research as well as health care. The need for transducers in closed loop prostheses, artificial organs, diagnosis, care of the ill in both hospitals and at home, is discussed. A list of measurements for various physical, chemical and psychological parameters and the transducers needed to make these measurements is given. Solid state electronics and technology important to transducer research is outlined with examples of sensors and actuators being developed at Case Western Reserve University. Future directions and concepts for new sensors and actuators are discussed.