Silicon could open the way for new terahertz technology

Surface plasmon resonance is used for a variety of purposes including detecting protein or DNA and enhancing the sensitivity of spectroscopy. However, surface plasmon resonance requires a metal. Gold and silver are among the metals that best support surface plasmons. Unfortunately, Weili Zhang, a professor at Oklahoma State University, tells PhysOrg.com, “Silver isn’t always long lasting and gold can be too expensive.” The solution? Zhang and his colleagues suggest that silicon can be used for surface plasmon resonances. But first it needs to become something metallic.