Abstract: A method is for detecting a chemical messenger within a sample of blood. The method may include flowing the sample of blood over a sensing surface of a plasmonic array biosensor. The sensing surface of the plasmonic array biosensor may have an ssDNA aptamer against the chemical messenger. The method may further include binding the chemical messenger in the sample of blood to the ssDNA aptamer of the plasmonic array biosensor, and detecting the chemical messenger in the sample of blood based upon LSPR altering a reflected optical signal from the plasmonic array biosensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multispectral plasmonic sensor for chiral molecular barcoding, employing a pixelated array of nanostructured plasmonic units coupled with a photonic cavity. Each pixel is tuned to resonate at distinct mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths, facilitating simultaneous detection of molecular chiral and vibrational properties. The system generates near-perfect resonant absorption, maximizing electric and magnetic field enhancements. When illuminated with circularly polarized light, the sensor produces a chiral near-field with handedness determined by the polarization direction. The interaction between the sensor and chiral molecules is quantified using dissymmetry factors, forming unique chiral barcodes that encode molecular behavior across multiple wavelengths. The sensor enables surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) induced surface-enhanced vibrational circular dichroism (SEVCD) measurements, providing comprehensive chiral and vibrational analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-wettable, superhydrophobic composition comprising a film or coating of fullerite nanocrystals of C60 and/or C70. The film exhibits a hierarchical multiscale surface topology formed by agglomerated nanocrystal clusters that define an interconnected porous network with interstitial voids that entrap air. The composition is free of binders and free of fluorinated or silane over-coatings; water repellency arises from the fullerite material and the surface morphology. In air the films display static water contact angles of at least 150° with low hysteresis. When submerged, the topology retains a continuous air layer, or plastron, on the surface for extended periods, thereby maintaining non-wettability under water. The composition adheres to common substrates as a uniform coating and, in some embodiments, exhibits high droplet adhesion in the superhydrophobic state. The disclosed articles provide single-component carbon coatings for applications requiring persistent non-wetting performance.

Abstract: A method of producing an organic non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite film is presented. Non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite films can be easily produced by growing nanofullerites via a sonication coupled crystallization protocol followed by multiple washings to obtain a pellet of nanofullerites. The pellet is aged for at least several weeks to allow for agglomeration into a gel which may then be applied to a substrate as a non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite film.

Abstract: An IR sensor comprises a substrate, a rear reflector on the substrate, a supporting layer, a PCM layer carried by the supporting layer and comprising a PCM material, and a second dopant material different than the PCM material, and first and second electrically conductive contacts carried by the substrate and coupled to opposing sides of the PCM layer. The IR sensor also includes a circuit coupled to the first and second electrically conductive contacts and configured to apply an electrical bias signal to the PCM layer to generate an electrical oscillation, and detect the frequency modulation (FM) of the oscillation signal based upon IR radiation received by the PCM layer.

Abstract: An IR sensor comprises a substrate, a rear reflector on the substrate, a supporting layer a PCM layer carried by the supporting layer, and first and second electrically conductive contacts carried by the substrate and coupled to opposing sides of the PCM layer. The IR sensor also includes a circuit coupled to the first and second electrically conductive contacts and configured to apply an electrical bias signal to the PCM layer to generate an electrical oscillation, and detect the frequency modulation (FM) of the oscillation signal based upon IR radiation received by the PCM layer.

Abstract: A method is for forming a radiation shield around an object. The method includes providing an inorganic paint pigment comprising a fluid matrix, and paint flakes carried within the fluid matrix. Each paint flake includes a common aluminum mirror layer having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, a first plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the first major surface, and a second plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the second major surface. The method also includes coating an outer surface of the object with the inorganic paint pigment.

Abstract: A method of producing an organic non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite film is presented. Non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite films can be easily produced by growing nanofullerites via a sonication coupled crystallization protocol followed by multiple washings to obtain a pellet of nanofullerites. The pellet is aged for at least several weeks to allow for agglomeration into a gel which may then be applied to a substrate as a non-wettable superhydrophobic fullerite film.

Abstract: An inorganic paint pigment may include a fluid matrix, and paint flakes carried within the fluid matrix. Each paint flake may include a common aluminum layer having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, a first plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the first major surface, and a second plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the second major surface.

Abstract: An active IR camouflage device may include a base layer, a first dielectric layer over the base layer, a phase transition material layer over the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the phase transition material layer, and a first metal layer over the second dielectric layer and defining a pattern of openings therein. The active IR camouflage device may have circuitry configured to selectively cause a transition from a first phase state to a second phase state of the phase transition material layer to control IR reflectance/emission of a top plasmonic layer, making it appear/disappear from the IR detector/camera. In some embodiments, the active IR camouflage device may also include a second metal layer between the base layer and the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method is for detecting a biomarker within a sample of blood. The method may include processing the sample of blood with a microfluidic blood plasma separator and a plasmonic array biosensor, and flowing the sample of blood over a sensing surface of the plasmonic array biosensor. The sensing surface of the plasmonic array biosensor may have an ssDNA aptamer against the biomarker. The method may further include binding the biomarker in the sample of blood to the ssDNA aptamer of the plasmonic array biosensor, and detecting the biomarker in the sample of blood based upon LSPR altering a reflected optical signal from the plasmonic array biosensor.

Abstract: A subwavelength gold hole/disk array that when coupled with a ground plane induces extraordinary transmission through the hole/disk array and zero back reflection. The hole/disk array functions as a “light funnel” in couling incident radiation into the cavity with about 100% efficiency over a narrow resonant bandwidth, which results in frequency-selective perfect (˜100%) absorption of the incident radiation. Such an optical frequency-selective absorber enables flexible scaling of detector response to any wavelength range by pattern dimensional changes, enabling uncooled frequency selective detection and “color” imaging in the infrared domain. Methods and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for ultrasensitive infrared photodetection, infrared imaging, and other optoelectronic applications using the plasmon assisted thermoelectric effect in graphene are described. Infrared detection by the photo-thermoelectric uses the generation of a temperature gradient (?T) for the efficient collection of the generated hot-carriers. An asymmetric plasmon-induced hot-carrier Seebeck photodetection scheme at room temperature exhibits a remarkable responsivity along with an ultrafast response in the technologically relevant 8-12 ?m band. This is achieved by engineering the asymmetric electronic environment of the generated hot carriers on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown large area nanopatterned monolayer graphene, which leads to a record ?T across the device terminals thereby enhancing the photo-thermoelectric voltage beyond the theoretical limit for graphene. The results provide a strategy for uncooled, tunable, multispectral infrared detection.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for ultrasensitive infrared photodetection, infrared imaging, and other optoelectronic applications using the plasmon assisted thermoelectric effect in graphene are described. Infrared detection by the photo-thermoelectric uses the generation of a temperature gradient (?T) for the efficient collection of the generated hot-carriers. An asymmetric plasmon-induced hot-carrier Seebeck photodetection scheme at room temperature exhibits a remarkable responsivity along with an ultrafast response in the technologically relevant 8-12 ?m band. This is achieved by engineering the asymmetric electronic environment of the generated hot carriers on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown large area nanopatterned monolayer graphene, which leads to a record ?T across the device terminals thereby enhancing the photo-thermoelectric voltage beyond the theoretical limit for graphene. The results provide a strategy for uncooled, tunable, multispectral infrared detection.

Abstract: Color derived from metallic nanostructures are often more efficient, more robust to environmental changes, and near impossible to damage or bleach due to overexposure. The embodiments combine these advantages with the millisecond re-configurability of liquid crystals to actively control a reflective color of a metallic nanostructure. Of the current technologies that boast active color tunability, many are pigmentation based (e-ink in e-readers) and/or need seconds to change color (photonic ink, electrochromic materials). Speed is an advantage of the embodiments and is comparable to current liquid crystal displays (˜120 Hz). Traditional LC displays use static polymer films (color filters) and white back light to generate color. Being able to actively tune the color from a single metallic nanostructure allows for smaller pixel size, increased resolution, and decreased fabrication cost compared to a conventional RGB color pixel without needing external white light source for extremely low power operations.

Abstract: A display device may include a substrate, a plasmonic aluminum reflector layer over the substrate, and a conducting oxide layer over the plasmonic aluminum reflector layer. The display device may have a circular polarizer over the conducting oxide layer and configured to receive incident visible radiation. The incident visible radiation may cause plasmon resonance within the plasmonic aluminum reflector layer. The display device may include a circuit configured to apply a voltage between the conducting oxide layer and the plasmonic aluminum reflector layer to cause the plasmonic aluminum reflector layer to selectively reflect the incident visible radiation based on the voltage.

Abstract: A method for molecular chirality detection is described. The method includes providing a substrate defining an array of hole-disks, each hole-disk coupled with an asymmetric optical cavity. Each asymmetric optical cavity having a back reflector separating a plasmonic pattern by an appropriate selection of thickness. The substrate is illuminated to simultaneously excite two degenerate localized surface plasmon modes producing a strong chiral near-field. The method may also include generating a characterization of chiral molecules on the substrate based on the strong chiral near-field. Substrates and detectors for molecular chirality detection are also described.

Abstract: A method is for making an optical detector device. The method may include forming a reflector layer carried by a substrate, forming a first dielectric layer over the reflector layer, and forming a graphene layer over the first dielectric layer and having a perforated pattern therein.

Abstract: An active IR camouflage device may include a base layer, a first dielectric layer over the base layer, a phase transition material layer over the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the phase transition material layer, and a first metal layer over the second dielectric layer and defining a pattern of openings therein. The active IR camouflage device may have circuitry configured to selectively cause a transition from a first phase state to a second phase state of the phase transition material layer to control IR reflectance/emission of a top plasmonic layer, making it appear/disappear from the IR detector/camera. In some embodiments, the active IR camouflage device may also include a second metal layer between the base layer and the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: An inorganic paint pigment may include a fluid matrix, and paint flakes carried within the fluid matrix. Each paint flake may include a common aluminum layer having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, a first plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the first major surface, and a second plasmonic aluminum reflector layer carried by the second major surface.