Miniature Magneto-Mechanical Resonators for Wireless Tracking and Sensing

Sensor miniaturization enables applications like minimally invasive medical procedures or patient monitoring by providing feedback of the process in-situ. Ideal miniature sensors should be wireless, inexpensive, and allow for remote detection over sufficient distance by an affordable detection system. We analyze the signal strength of wireless sensors theoretically and derive a 20 simple design of high-signal resonant magneto-mechanical sensors featuring volumes below 1 mm³. As examples, we demonstrate real-time tracking of position and attitude of a flying bee, navigation of a biopsy needle, tracking of a free-flowing marker, and sensing of pressure and temperature, all in unshielded environments. The achieved sensor size, measurement accuracy, and workspace of about 25 cm show the potential as a low-cost wireless tracking and sensing 25 platform for medical and non-medical applications.