The Nanomechanical Mass Sensor Can Weigh a Proton
Harris Jay Rosenberg Alterman — April 7, 2012 — Tech
A research team led by Professor Adrian Bachtoldat at the Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology has invented the tested the world's most sensitive scale. In fact, the scale is so sensitive that it can weigh a single proton.
The scale works by using sensors that must be lowered to -269 degrees Celsius before working. It must also be in an environment without noise which would distract it. The sensor is made of a 150 nanometre-long carbon nanotube and can tell when molecules are being absorbed. By being able to tell when a molecule is absorbed, the scale can measure the difference in weight.
This extremely sensitive scale could lead to further scientific developments in the fields of spectrometry, surface science and other related fields.
The scale works by using sensors that must be lowered to -269 degrees Celsius before working. It must also be in an environment without noise which would distract it. The sensor is made of a 150 nanometre-long carbon nanotube and can tell when molecules are being absorbed. By being able to tell when a molecule is absorbed, the scale can measure the difference in weight.
This extremely sensitive scale could lead to further scientific developments in the fields of spectrometry, surface science and other related fields.
Trend Themes
1. Nanomechanical Mass Sensing - Opportunity for developing highly sensitive scales that can accurately measure the weight of particles at a molecular level.
2. Low Temperature Sensors - Potential for creating sensors that operate at extremely low temperatures to achieve high levels of precision in measuring molecular absorption.
3. Precision Spectrometry - Innovation opportunity for enhancing spectrometry techniques by using nanomechanical mass sensors to detect molecular changes with exceptional sensitivity.
Industry Implications
1. Nanotechnology - Application of highly sensitive scales and low temperature sensors can revolutionize the field of nanotechnology by enabling precise measurement and analysis of particles at the molecular level.
2. Surface Science - Potential for advancements in surface science research by utilizing nanomechanical mass sensors to study molecular absorption and determine weight differences.
3. Scientific Instrumentation - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the field of scientific instrumentation by developing nanomechanical mass sensing devices with extreme sensitivity for various applications in research and analysis.
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