In April 2024, Zhuhang Dai's review paper, "Emerging MEMS sensors for ocean physics: Principles, materials, and applications" was accepted by the journal 《Applied Physics Reviews》 (Chinese Academy of Sciences Q1, IF=15.0).

    In this paper, the author systematically reviews novel MEMS sensors for ocean observation.

    Traditional ocean observation systems face energy limitations when aiming for long-term operation in open and deep-sea environments. Additionally, these systems must withstand harsh ocean conditions characterized by high corrosion, low temperatures, and extreme hydrostatic pressure, making them typically large and cumbersome, with significant constraints during manufacturing, transport, and deployment.

    This review focuses on MEMS-based ocean sensors designed to measure fundamental physical parameters and processes in the ocean environment. Covered parameters include water conductivity, temperature, and depth, ocean currents, marine turbulence, seismic activity, seabed deformation, and ocean acoustic signals. The paper details the basic design of these sensors, including their working principles, structures, performance, and manufacturing processes. The introduction of MEMS technology has significantly improved many ocean sensors, enabling features such as low power consumption, lightweight, high integration, flexibility, and stretchability. The paper also discusses important challenges that MEMS ocean sensors may encounter and considers their future development prospects. By highlighting the potential of MEMS-based ocean sensors, this review aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and reliable ocean observation systems, providing a promising pathway for establishing an efficient Internet of Things (IoT) for the ocean.

    The authors believe that advancements in novel MEMS sensors will play an indispensable role in the future development of ocean science and engineering.