Microfabricated Ice Sensors

Microfabricated, silicon-based capacitive actuator/sensor devices have been developed as prototypes of compact, low-power transducers that would be used to detect the presence (and perhaps eventually measure the thickness) of ice on aircraft lift and control surfaces. These transducers would be mounted flush with surfaces, so that they would not perturb airflows. Transducers of this type could also be used in such diverse applications as detecting ice in refrigerators for triggering defrosting cycles and detecting ice on roadways to trigger warning signals for drivers.