Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor module that is embedded in a target environment and a signal system. The sensor module includes an active sensor of a first type that detects a target element in the target environment and a reference sensor of the first type that prevents detection of target elements by the reference sensor. The active sensor and the reference sensor receive an ultrasonic signal and respectively generate a first response signal and a second response signal. The first response signal is at least partially as a function of the detected target element. The signal system includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates the ultrasonic signal and receives the first and second response signals, and a controller communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The controller identifies the detected target element based at least partially on the first and second response signals.

Abstract: Provided are devices, kits, and methods for rapid detection of analytes of interest, such as drugs of abuse, at comparatively low concentrations. The technology includes competitive assay lateral flow devices that utilize a nanoparticle-antibody complex to provide a visually-perceptible marker upon contact with a sample having above a cutoff level of analyte.

Abstract: Plasmonic nanotransducers, methods of preparing plasmonic nanotransducers, and methods for label-free detection of target molecules are disclosed. The plasmonic nanotransducers include hollow nanostructure cores and artificial antibodies. The plasmonic nanotransducers are exposed to a biological sample that can contain the specific target molecules. The plasmonic nanotransducers can be analyzed with surface enhanced Raman scattering techniques and/or localized surface plasmon resonance techniques to quantify the amount of the target molecule in the sample.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor module that is embedded in a target environment and a signal system. The sensor module includes an active sensor of a first type that detects a target element in the target environment and a reference sensor of the first type that prevents detection of target elements by the reference sensor. The active sensor and the reference sensor receive an ultrasonic signal and respectively generate a first response signal and a second response signal. The first response signal is at least partially as a function of the detected target element. The signal system includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates the ultrasonic signal and receives the first and second response signals, and a controller communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The controller identifies the detected target element based at least partially on the first and second response signals.

Abstract: Plasmonic nanotransducers, methods of preparing plasmonic nanotransducers, and methods for label-free detection of target molecules are disclosed. The plasmonic nanotransducers include hollow nanostructure cores and artificial antibodies. The plasmonic nanotransducers are exposed to a biological sample that can contain the specific target molecules. The plasmonic nanotransducers can be analyzed with surface enhanced Raman scattering techniques and/or localized surface plasmon resonance techniques to quantify the amount of the target molecule in the sample.

Abstract: Graphene layers can be formed on a dielectric substrate using a process that includes forming a copper thin film on a dielectric substrate; diffusing carbon atoms through the copper thin film; and forming a graphene layer at an interface between the copper thin film and the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: Graphene layers can be formed on a dielectric substrate using a process that includes forming a copper thin film on a dielectric substrate; diffusing carbon atoms through the copper thin film; and forming a graphene layer at an interface between the copper thin film and the dielectric substrate.