ZnO nanowires may lead to better chemical sensors, high-speed electronics

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In physicist Grace Lus explorations on the frontiers of the nanoworld she uses this instrument to analyze the magnetic properties of wires about 50 nanometers wide so small that you could fit 20000 of them side to side within the eye of a full8209s ...
In physicist Grace Lu’s explorations on the frontiers of the nanoworld, she uses this instrument to analyze the magnetic properties of wires about 50 nanometers wide — so small that you could fit 20,000 of them side to side within the eye of a full‑sized needle. Photo credit: Phil Channing

Devices for detecting dangerous substances can literally be life savers, in situations ranging from soldiers on the battlefield to luggage screeners at airports. Yet chemical sensors now available for such tasks have their drawbacks. They aren’t always sensitive enough to detect tiny amounts of a hazardous chemical, for instance. Once exposed it can takes hours until they are ready to sense again.


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