Like several other groups, we’re making networks of wireless sensors. Ours have the distinction of being smallest, and still have the longest communication range! We will need to push hard on low power analog and digital electronics, since we are shooting for a 10 microWatt mean power dissipation. We will also be pushing hard on micro-optics technology, integrating lasers and scanning mirrors for communication over distances of tens of kilometers.
Smart dust Active Laser Transmitter (SALT)
Matthew Last, Kris Pister
Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center
Syntheses of Controls and Physics for Future Clean, Efficient, and Safe Transportation
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
The Ohio State University