Australian National University develops miniature optical structure nanosensors

[ China Instrument Network Instrument R&D ] The development of science and technology requires ultra-microscopic, intelligent, high-integration of components, high-density storage, and ultra-fast transmission, which provides a broad space for the application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials.

Sensors made with nanotechnology have reduced size, improved accuracy, and improved performance. Nanosensors are on the atomic scale, which greatly enriches the theory of sensors, promotes the level of sensor production, and broadens the application of sensors.

Nanosensors include nanochemical sensors and biosensors, nanogas sensors, and other types of nanosensors (pressure, temperature, flow, etc.). Today, nanosensors have been widely developed in the fields of biology, chemistry, machinery, aviation, and military.

Recently, a team of researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) Nanotechnology Research Laboratory has developed a miniature optical structure of nanosensors, whose thickness is even 1/50th that of human hair. Integrating them into wearable devices can help doctors Detect and manage chronic conditions in patients. Research papers were published in the June 4 issue of "Advanced Materials".

Antonio Tricoli, an assistant professor at the laboratory, said that "this invention shows us at the dividing line that we are designing the next generation of wearable devices that can help people maintain their health and longevity. It is like creating a laboratory in a watch."

Scientists have combined gold nanodisks and fractal clustering technology to enable them to detect the tiny changes in organic compound concentrations. At present, this technology is only a proof of concept phase. In the future, it can be used to detect gas molecules that come out of breath, or gas molecules of the skin. Can be used to integrate into many devices, not just in the personal medical field. Dr. Mohsen Rahmani also said that this research can be incorporated into a micro-spacecraft and integrated into a micro-satellite to help humans hunt deep space targets.

In June 2016, the World Economic Forum released the “Top Ten Emerging Technologies in 2016” at the Davos Annual Conference in Tianjin. Nanosensors and nano-level Internet of Things were ranked first.

According to the national "13th Five-Year Plan" technology innovation and development plan, a major task is in the field of "nano-materials and sensors", which aims at sensitive sensing information characteristics of nano-materials and structures, researching new sensing technologies, and developing new high-performance Nanosensors and their systems make them highly sensitive, highly selective, and highly stable, enabling low-power, low-cost, miniaturized, and intelligent detection and sensor innovation and localization.

(Source: Sensor Technology, Electronic Enthusiast Network, Brocade, Sohu)