Systems and Methods for Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing Docket: UAH-P-10013 Technology Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) involves excitation of surface plasmons of nanometer-sized metallic structures, or dots, by light. LSPR for metallic dots is typically used in chemical and biochemical sensors in order to provide high sensitivity sensing capabilities. However, conventional LSPR sensors are expensive to manufacture, difficult to transport, and require bulky laboratory instruments such as optical microscopes as well as optical alignment at each measurement. Researchers at UAH have developed an optical fiber-based LSPR sensor that is both compact and easy to use. A gold nanodot array on the tip of the fiber is chemically functionalized to have a specific affinity for a particular substance. The sensor is thus able to detect the presence or absence of the substance. This technology is convenient for numerous applications, since optical fibers can be inserted into the human body and used in harsh environments. In addition multiple fibers can be bundled to allow simultaneous multiplexed sensing of various analytes. Applications Biomedical diagnostics Biochemical nanosensors Environmental sensors Advantages Lightweight and compact Small-diameter fibers allow access to hard-to-reach test environments Easy to use Functions in extreme environments Status State of Development: Prototype Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Patented