Home > News > Building miniature 'noses' to sniff explosives
October 19th, 2007
Building miniature 'noses' to sniff explosives
Abstract:
It's no secret that a dog's nose is hundreds of times more sensitive than our own olfactory systems. For this reason, humans have long relied upon their four-legged friends to track and detect odors for security, sustenance and survival.
While artificial "noses" have been built to sense malicious chemicals and substances, such as explosives, none has proven quite up to snuff with the canines sniffer in terms of accuracy or ability.
In pursuit of that interminable nose, researchers have turned to nanoscience. They have uncovered ways to detect molecules using tiny sensors called microcantilevers.
Made of silicon, microcantilevers look like miniature diving boards that are 100 microns long, one micron thick and 20 microns wide, says Thomas Thundat, senior scientist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory who is credited with discovering how the devices can detect chemicals. Up to 40 microcantilevers can fit on a computer chip 3 mm across - smaller than the average pinkie fingernail.
Source:
smalltimes.com
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
Sensors
Sensors innovations for smart lithium-based batteries: advancements, opportunities, and potential challenges August 8th, 2025
Quantum engineers ‘squeeze’ laser frequency combs to make more sensitive gas sensors January 17th, 2025
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
New molecular technology targets tumors and simultaneously silences two ‘undruggable’ cancer genes August 8th, 2025
Simple algorithm paired with standard imaging tool could predict failure in lithium metal batteries August 8th, 2025
First real-time observation of two-dimensional melting process: Researchers at Mainz University unveil new insights into magnetic vortex structures August 8th, 2025
Lab to industry: InSe wafer-scale breakthrough for future electronics August 8th, 2025
Military
Quantum engineers ‘squeeze’ laser frequency combs to make more sensitive gas sensors January 17th, 2025
Chainmail-like material could be the future of armor: First 2D mechanically interlocked polymer exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength January 17th, 2025
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
NRL charters Navy’s quantum inertial navigation path to reduce drift April 5th, 2024
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||