Compact sensor using microcavity structures
AssigneeHRL Laboratories, LLC
InventorsDavid M. Pepper, Daniel Sievenpiper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A compact sensor for detection of chemical and/or biological compounds in low concentration. The sensor comprises electromagnetic microcavities. The agent to be detected passes the microcavities, is absorbed and/or absorbed by the microcavities, and modifies the electromagnetic field inside the microcavities. After the agent has been adsorbed and/or absorbed, a probe beam is applied to the microcavities. The change of electromagnetic field is detected by the detector, and the frequency of the probe beam at which the resonance is observed, is indicative of a particular agent being present. A method for detecting chemical and/or biological compounds using the sensor.
Claims59
A sensor for detecting chemical and/or biological compounds, said sensor comprising:
- (a) a first element comprising a plurality of microcavities disposed on a substrate;
- and
- (b) a second element comprising a source of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation,
- wherein said chemical and/or biological compounds are adsorbed or/and absorbed by said microcavities causing a change of electromagnetic field of said microcavities, said change being detected by said second element.
A method for detecting chemical and/or biological compounds, said method comprising steps of:
- (a) providing a substrate with a plurality of microcavities disposed thereupon;
- (b) providing a probing device comprising a source of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation;
- (c) directing said chemical and/or biological compounds at said microcavities;
- (d) adsorbing or/and absorbing said chemical and/or biological compounds by said microcavities causing a change of electromagnetic field of said microcavities;
- and
- (e) detecting said change of electromagnetic field by said probing device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.