Integrated Nanostructure Optical Resonance Spectrometer Sensors (INORSS) Docket: UAH-P-12009, UAH-P-12010 Technology In the past decade, advancements in nanotechnologies have created a new class of chemical and biological sensors that rely on the optical resonance shift of metal or dielectric nanostructures as the sensing transduction mechanism. Optical resonance frequencies in nanostructure sensors change when chemical or biochemical agents bind onto the nanostructure sensor surface areas. This class of sensors requires optical spectrometers to measure the resonance frequencies, which makes the sensor systems too bulky and expensive for many applications. Researchers at UAH have developed a new class of sensors that combines the functions of sensing and spectral analysis in a single apparatus, called the "Integrated Nanostructure Optical Resonance Spectrometer Sensors." The INORSS use nanostructure metal or dielectric resonance gratings to detect biochemical agents, while simultaneously performing resonance spectral analysis. The new technology enables sensors to be compact and cost effective. As a result the INORSS can open up a new market beyond where traditional optical spectrometer-based sensors are used. Applications Chemical and biological sensors Biomedical diagnosis Industrial process monitoring Advantages Compact Cost efficient High spectral selectivity Status State of Development: Proof of concept Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Patented