Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. At least one of the implantable devices can trigger synchronized action by other implantable devices via a telemetry link. Thus, the invention eliminates the need for creating a custom architecture for supporting desired services. A thermal conductor formed according to the aforesaid method can be incorporated in a cooking utensil, or in an electrical appliance, to permit quick and efficient conduction of thermal energy.