Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed a new technique to squeeze infrared light into ultra-confined spaces, generating an intense, nanoscale antenna that could be used to detect single biomolecules. | |
The researchers harnessed the power of polaritons, particles that blur the distinction between light and matter. This ultra-confined light can be used to detect very small amounts of matter close to the polaritons. For example, many hazardous substances, such as formaldehyde, have an infrared signature that can be magnified by these antennas. The shape and size of the polaritons can also be tuned, paving the way to smart infrared detectors and biosensors. | |
The research is published in Science Advances (“Ultra-confined mid-infrared resonant phonon polaritons in van der Waals nanostructures”). |
“This work opens up a new frontier in nanophotonics,” said Federico Capasso, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering, and senior author of the study. “By coupling light to atomic vibrations, we have concentrated light into nanodevices much smaller than its wavelength, giving us a new tool to detect and manipulate molecules.” | |
Polaritons are hybrid quantum mechanical particles, made up of a photon strongly coupled to vibrating atoms in a two-dimensional crystal. | |
“Our goal was to harness this strong interaction between light and matter and engineer polaritons to focus light in very small spaces,” said Michele Tamagnone, postdoctoral fellow in Applied Physics at SEAS and co-first author of the paper. |
Image Credit: Harvard SEAS
News This Week
New research finds that subtle eye movements optimize vision
Our ability to see starts with the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells in our eyes. A specific region of the retina, termed fovea, is responsible for sharp vision. Here, the color-sensitive cone photoreceptors allow us to [...]
Scientists Were Wrong: Plants Absorb 31% More CO2 Than Previously Thought
New research shows plants absorb 31% more CO2 than previously estimated, raising the global GPP to 157 petagrams per year. Using carbonyl sulfide as a proxy for photosynthesis, this study highlights tropical rainforests’ critical role [...]
Doctors test first mRNA vaccine against norovirus
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the norovirus, which is widespread worldwide, is the cause of a large proportion of gastrointestinal infections. Those who catch the virus suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. [...]
Study reveals resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to common cleaning agents
A new study reveals widespread resistance of a major bacterial pathogen to the active ingredients in cleaning agents commonly used in hospitals and homes. The American Chemical Society Infectious Diseases published the research, led [...]
AI’s Next Frontier: System 0 and the Future of Human Thought
“System 0” represents an emerging cognitive tool powered by AI that works alongside human intuition and analysis to enhance cognitive abilities. This new system promises to support complex decision-making and problem-solving but requires careful [...]
The Global Nanomedicine Market: Key Players and Emerging Technologies in Healthcare
This article provides an overview of the global nanomedicine market, highlighting key players, emerging technologies, and the challenges and opportunities that influence its growth and commercialization in the healthcare sector. Nanomedicines are nanotechnology-based drug products [...]
Scientists Have Discovered Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Bottled Water
Scientists have found toxic PFAS in drinking water samples from around the world, with higher levels in tap water from China compared to the UK. Boiling water or using a filtration jug can reduce [...]
Urban Microbes Are Eating Disinfectants – Are We Fueling a New Health Threat?
New research reveals that microbes in urban environments are evolving to withstand the very cleaning agents designed to eliminate them. The study also uncovers new strains in Hong Kong, previously only found in the [...]
Leave A Comment