Researchers have unveiled a highly sensitive detector capable of identifying molecules by analyzing their infrared vibrational “fingerprints.”

This groundbreaking device works by transforming incoming infrared light into ultra-confined “nanolight” through phonon polaritons within its active area. This dual-purpose mechanism significantly increases the detector’s sensitivity while amplifying the vibrational signals of nanometer-thin molecular layers placed on its surface. These amplified molecular fingerprints can then be detected and analyzed with greater precision. The detector’s compact design and ability to operate at room temperature open the door to developing ultra-compact platforms for molecular and gas sensing in various applications.

To read more, click here.