2015-05-042015-05-042004-08-17Halas, Nancy J., Lal, Surbhi, Nordlander, Peter J., Jackson, Joseph B. and Moran, Cristin Erin, "Nanoparticle-based all-optical sensors." Patent US6778316B2. issued 2004-08-17. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1911/79875.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/79875The present invention provides a sensor that includes an optical device as a support for a thin film formed by a matrix containing resonant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be optically coupled to the optical device by virtue of the geometry of placement of the thin film. Further, the nanoparticles are adapted to resonantly enhance the spectral signature of analytes located near the surfaces of the nanoparticles. Thus, via the nanoparticles, the optical device is addressable so as to detect a measurable property of a sample in contact with the sensor. The sensors include chemical sensors and thermal sensors. The optical devices include reflective devices and waveguide devices. Still further, the nanoparticles include solid metal particles and metal nanoshells. Yet further, the nanoparticles may be part of a nano-structure that further includes nanotubes.8 ppengUtility patentUS6778316B2