Abstract:
A light amplifying device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is disclosed herein. The device includes a dielectric layer having two opposed surfaces. A refractive index of the dielectric layer is higher than a refractive index of a material or environment directly adjacent thereto. At least one opening is formed in one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer, and at least one nano-antenna is established on the one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer. A gain region is positioned in the dielectric layer or adjacent to another of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer.
Abstract:
An assembly for monitoring an environment includes a RFID tag and a sensing unit. The sensing unit is configured to be activated by a RF signal received by the RFID tag and to sense information regarding an environment.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting at least one species using Raman light detection includes at least one laser source for illuminating a sample containing the at least one species. The apparatus also includes a modulating element for modulating a spatial relationship between the sample and the light beams to cause relative positions of the sample and the light beams to be oscillated, in which Raman light at differing intensity levels are configured to be emitted from the at least one species based upon the different wavelengths of the light beams illuminating the sample. The apparatus also includes a Raman light detector and a post-signal processing unit configured to detect the at least one species.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting at least one molecule using Raman light detection includes a substrate for supporting a sample containing the at least one molecule, a laser source for emitting a laser beam to cause Raman light emission from the at least one molecule, a modulating element for modulating a spatial relationship between the laser beam and the substrate at an identified frequency to cause the Raman light to be emitted from the at least one molecule at the identified frequency, at least one detector for detecting the Raman light emitted from the at least one molecule, and a post-signal processing unit configured to process the detected Raman light emission at the identified frequency to detect the at least one molecule.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are related to nanowire-based devices that can be configured and operated as modulators, chemical sensors, and light-detection devices. In one aspect, a nanowire-based device includes a reflective member, a resonant cavity surrounded by at least a portion of the reflective member, and at least one nanowire disposed within the resonant cavity. The nanowire includes at least one active segment selectively disposed along the length of the nanowire to substantially coincide with at least one antinode of light resonating within the cavity. The active segment can be configured to interact with the light resonating within the cavity.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of forming single-crystal metal-silicide nanowires and resulting nanowire structures. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabricating nanowires is disclosed. In the method, a number of nanowire-precursor members are formed. Each of the nanowire-precursor members includes a substantially single-crystal silicon region and a polycrystalline-metallic region. The substantially single-crystal silicon region and the polycrystalline-metallic region of each of the nanowire-precursor members is reacted to form corresponding substantially single-crystal metal-silicide nanowires. In another embodiment of the present invention, a nanowire structure is disclosed. The nanowire structure includes a substrate having an electrically insulating layer. A number of substantially single-crystal metal-silicide nanowires are positioned on the electrically insulating layer.
Abstract:
An apparatus and related methods for facilitating surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is described. A SERS-active structure near which a plurality of analyte molecules is disposed is periodically deformed at an actuation frequency. A synchronous measuring device synchronized with the actuation frequency receives Raman radiation scattered from the analyte molecules and generates therefrom at least one Raman signal measurement.
Abstract:
An optical sensor, sensing system and method of sensing employ a half-core hollow optical waveguide adjacent to a surface of an optical waveguide layer of a substrate. The half-core hollow optical waveguide and the adjacent optical waveguide layer cooperatively provide both an optical path that confines and guides an optical signal and an internal hollow channel. The optical path and channel extend longitudinally along a hollow core of the half-core hollow optical waveguide. The system further includes an optical source at an input of the optical path and an optical detector at an output of the optical path. A spectroscopic interaction between an analyte material that is introduced into the channel and an optical signal propagating along the optical path determines a characteristic of the analyte material.
Abstract:
A Raman spectroscopy system is disclosed which includes a sub-wavelength resonant grating filter and a photodiode with integrated sub-wavelength resonant grating filter are disclosed. The resonant grating filter comprises an array of diffraction elements having a periodic spacing that is less than the wavelength of radiation to be filtered and which are formed over a waveguide layer. The filter, which can reject a specific wavelength of radiation, can be placed between a Raman sample and a Raman detector in order to filter radiation that is elastically scattered from the sample while transmitting other wavelengths. The wavelength rejected by the filter can be selected by tilting the filter with respect to the radiation incident upon the filter.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are related to nanowire-based devices that can be configured and operated as modulators, chemical sensors, and light-detection devices. In one aspect, a nanowire-based device includes a reflective member, a resonant cavity surrounded by at least a portion of the reflective member, and at least one nanowire disposed within the resonant cavity. The nanowire includes at least one active segment selectively disposed along the length of the nanowire to substantially coincide with at least one antinode of light resonating within the cavity. The active segment can be configured to interact with the light resonating within the cavity.