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The Discovery FilesSense And Sensitivity
A University at Buffalo-led team of engineers has developed a new device for surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIA) spectroscopy. Infrared light is trapped by tiny gaps in the device's metal surface, where it can be used to detect trace amounts of matter. The SEIRA advancement could be useful in any scenario that calls for finding traces of molecules, according to one of the scientists who developed the device, including detecting bomb-making materials and drugs in blood.
Credit: National Science Foundation/Karson Productions
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