Scientists at Columbia University have developed a breakthrough in nanotechnology, creating an all-optical nanosensor that can detect even the slightest changes in force with unprecedented sensitivity. These luminescent nanocrystals respond to light only and don’t require any wires or connections, making them ideal for fully remote read-outs.
The new sensors outperform existing nanoparticles by 100 times, achieving a wider range of forces than ever before. This technology has vast implications for various fields, including robotics, cellular biophysics, medicine, and space travel.
What sets these force sensors apart is their ability to operate with benign, biocompatible, and deeply penetrating infrared light, allowing researchers to “peer deep into” systems and monitor health from afar. This enables early detection of malfunctions or failures in complex systems, which can have a significant impact on fields like human health, energy, and sustainability.
The breakthrough was achieved by exploiting the photon-avalanching effect within nanocrystals. By adjusting the spacing between lanthanide ions, researchers created nanoparticles that responded to gentle forces, far more sensitive than anticipated. This discovery led to the development of new nanoparticle designs that can detect forces in different ways, including changing color or emitting multiple photons.
The potential applications of this technology are vast, and its impact is already being recognized by experts. Dr. Jim Schuck, a researcher at Columbia University, believes that these sensors will revolutionize the field of sensing, enabling the dynamic mapping of critical changes in forces and pressures in real-world environments. The team’s work appears in the journal Nature.
Source: https://www.sci.news/physics/force-nanosensors-13548.html