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:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU24181
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel