The objective of this work is to develop a real-time leaf thickness sensor and test it in the field. The sensor will be based on strain gauges and will be small enough to rest on a leaf. The sensor will be constructed from strain gauges attached to a strip of material that is flexed via attachments to a leaf. Materials (crystal, glass, or metal) for the sensor will be tested in the laboratory for sensitivity and thermal effects. Field experiments will be done to document the sensor's ability to measure leaf thickness in response to diurnal variation in hydration state. The significance of the research will be the development of a leaf thickness sensor for use under field conditions. This will be a new sensor that will yield new knowledge. It will find use as an indicator of plant water status. In addition it will be a sensor to document leaf development dynamics and the effect of stressors on leaf status. It will find application in agriculture as a sensor for automated control of growth conditions. Finally, it will find general use where variation in the thickness of thin sheets needs to be measured continuously.
