Sensors New age crystals

David G. Grier
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David G. Grier: University of Chicago

Nature, 1997, vol. 389, issue 6653, 784-785

Abstract: Measuring trace components in complex solutions such as blood usually requires the sophisticated facilities of an analytical laboratory, but a new technique could lead to simple devices that do the same thing. A chemically functionalized gel can act as a sensitive sponge, swelling when a particular chemical comes along. If the gel is made to fill the space between tiny plastic spheres in a colloidal crystal, that swelling changes the spacing of the crystal and therefore its diffraction properties. The result is a beautiful shimmering sensor that can be read optically.

Date: 1997
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DOI: 10.1038/39729

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