Abstract:
A NERS-active structure includes a deformable, active nanoparticle support structure for supporting a first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle that is disposed proximate the first nanoparticle. The nanoparticles each comprise a NERS-active material. The deformable, active nanoparticle support structure is configured to vary the distance between the first nanoparticle and the second nanoparticle while performing NERS. Various active nanoparticle support structures are disclosed. A NERS system includes such a NERS-active structure, a radiation source for generating radiation scatterable by an analyte located proximate the NERS-active structure, and a radiation detector for detecting Raman scattered radiation scattered by the analyte. A method for performing NERS includes providing such a NERS-active structure, providing an analyte at a location proximate the NERS-active structure, irradiating the NERS-active structure and the analyte with radiation, varying the distance between the nanoparticles, and detecting Raman scattered radiation scattered by the analyte.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for enhancing Raman spectroscopy and hyper-Raman are disclosed. A molecular analysis device for performing Raman spectroscopy comprises a substrate and a laser source disposed on the substrate. The laser source may be configured for emanating a laser radiation, which may irradiate an analyte disposed on a Raman enhancement structure. The Raman enhancement structure may be disposed in a waveguide. The molecular analysis device also includes a wavelength demultiplexer and radiation sensors disposed on the substrate and configured for receiving a Raman scattered radiation, which may be generated by the irradiation of the analyte and Raman enhancement structure.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for detecting the constituent parts of biological polymers are disclosed. A molecular analysis device includes a molecule sensor and a molecule guide. The molecule sensor comprises a nanostructure, which is configured for producing a nanostructure-enhanced Raman scattered radiation when an excitation radiation irradiates at least a portion of a molecule disposed near the NERS structure.
Abstract:
An apparatus for sensing at least one property of a fluid is described. A first photonic crystal structure and a second photonic crystal structure are defined in a dielectric slab. The first and second photonic crystal structures comprise differently patterned arrays of channels extending through the dielectric slab. The apparatus further comprises a fluid introduction device configured to introduce a common volume of the fluid into the channels of the first and second photonic crystal structures. The at least one property of the fluid can be sensed by measuring the propagation of radiation through the first and second photonic crystal structures.
Abstract:
A lift-off material for use in fabricating a nanostructure. The lift-off material includes a first material adapted to, and present in an amount sufficient to provide a predetermined amount of mechanical strength to the nanostructure during fabrication; and a second material adapted to, and present in an amount sufficient to provide a predetermined solubility to the lift-off material.
Abstract:
Integrated radiation source/amplifying structures for use in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and hyper-SERS are disclosed. The structures include a radiation source integrated with a SERS-active structure that is provided within a resonant cavity. SERS and hyper-SERS systems employing the integrated radiation source/amplifying structures are disclosed. Methods of performing SERS and hyper-SERS are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A SERS-active structure is disclosed that includes a substrate and at least one nanowire disposed on the substrate. The at least one nanowire includes a core including a first material and a coating including a SERS-active material. A SERS system is also disclosed that includes a SERS-active structure. Also disclosed are methods for forming a SERS-active structure and methods for performing SERS with SERS-active structures.
Abstract:
An optical sensor is provided, comprising (a) a silicon nanowire of finite length having an electrical contact pad at each end thereof; and (b) a plurality of self-assembled molecules on a surface of the silicon nanowire, the molecules serving to modulate electrical conductivity of the silicon nanowire by either a reversible change in dipole moment of the molecules or by a reversible molecule-assisted electron/energy transfer from the molecules onto the silicon nanowire. Further, a method of making the optical sensor is provided. The concept of molecular self-assembly is applied in attaching functional molecules onto silicon nanowire surfaces, and the requirement of molecule modification (hydroxy group in molecules) is minimal from the point view of synthetic difficulty and compatibility. Self-assembly will produce well-ordered ultra-thin films with strong chemical bonding on a surface that cannot be easily achieved by other conventional methods.
Abstract:
Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a flexible substrate, and an array of spaced apart sensing members formed on a surface of the flexible substrate. Each of the spaced apart sensing members includes a plurality of polygon assemblies. The polygon assemblies are arranged in a controlled pattern on the surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the plurality of polygon assemblies is a predetermined distance from each other of the plurality of polygon assemblies, and each of the plurality of polygon assemblies including collapsible signal amplifying structures controllably positioned in a predetermined geometric shape.
Abstract:
A chemical-analysis device integrated with a metallic-nanofinger device for chemical sensing. The chemical-analysis device includes a metallic-nanofinger device, and a platform. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with at least one analyte molecule. A morphology of the metallic cap is to generate a shifted plasmonic-resonance peak associated with amplified luminescence from the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the chemical-analysis device are also provided.