Nanoscale optical sensors for remote measurement of large dynamic forces

This tech is a Tm3+-doped avalanching nanoparticle force sensor that remotely detects forces from piconewton to micronewton using near-infrared light.

Unmet Need: Precise, non-invasive force sensors

Mechanical forces are fundamental to physical and biological systems, but current sensors lack the precision and resolution to measure them across multiple scales. Sensors must operate over a wide dynamic range while being non-invasive and photostable for continuous monitoring. Existing technologies fail to detect forces below surfaces or at nanoscale interfaces without interference.

The Technology: Remote nanoscale force sensing using Tm3+-doped nanoparticles

This technology uses chemically modified Tm3+-doped avalanching nanoparticles to remotely measure forces with high sensitivity and spatial resolution across a wide dynamic range, from piconewton to micronewton levels. Tuning Tm3+ concentrations and energy transfer within the nanosensors enables multiple optical force-sensing modalities, including mechanobrightening and mechanochromism. These nanoscale sensors operate at deeply penetrating near-infrared wavelengths and exhibit no photobleaching, ensuring stability. This technology enables precise force sensing in dynamic and complex environments, from biological organisms to nanoelectromechanical systems.

Applications:

  • Biomedical imaging method
  • Force feedback system for robotics
  • Force sensing in biological organisms, energy storage, clinical research, electromechanical systems
  • Medical diagnostics sensor

Advantages:

  • High sensitivity
  • Multiple sensing modes
  • Non-invasive
  • Photostable
  • Subsurface sensing
  • Wide detection range

Lead Inventor:

P. James Schuck, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

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