Microsensors are miniature devices that convert information about the environment into an electrical form that can be read by instruments. Sensors are increasingly used as computer input devices because of large increases in computing power and the large drop in cost. Sensors thus function as the eyes, ears, nose, and touch for the computer.

Micro Analytical Systems combine micromachined microelectro-mechanical (MEMS) structures that are capable of performing sample handling and chemical separations. These systems exhibit phenomenal increases in sample discrimination over stand-alone sensors. In fact, performance of micro analytical systems is approaching that of standard laboratory analytical instruments. The department is developing new sensor technologies to address issues of national security applications, such as chemical/biological weapon defense. These systems also promise to revolutionize a number of fields, including food processing and health care.