Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea

Chapter 7. Sensors

In this chapter…

• Natural Nanoscale Sensors

• Electromagnetic Sensors

• Biosensors

• Electronic Noses

Imagine supermarket packaging that could tell instantaneously if the food inside had been exposed to heat or had begun to spoil. Imagine a tiny foolproof automatic indicator that could constantly monitor a home for dangerous chemicals such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide, or ozone. Imagine a simple swab test that would instantly tell whether a patient has strep, diabetes, various genetic diseases, the flu, or an anemia. Imagine a simple wire that could be inserted in the ground to tell a home gardener where the soil is best for planting cucumbers. Imagine a foolproof (and it would need to be) explosives test so that you wouldn't need ...