The US Naval Research Laboratory has developed a new type of small and lightweight sensor consisting of silicon nanowires (SiN VAPOR) arranged vertically on porous electrodes, which can improve the detection capability of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

　　

The SiN VAPOR project aims to develop battlefield deployable distributed sensors that can be installed on mobile phones. It has a three-dimensional structure composed of vertically arranged silicon nanowires, which can be integrated into mobile phones for chemical detection. Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory hope to promote this low-power, low-cost sensor, which will revolutionize the detection of trace chemicals in environments such as battlefields or airports.

　　

The SiN VAPOR sensor, which is still in the early stages of development, has a sensitivity of one billionth or even one trillionth for detecting trace chemicals. The project leader stated that this technology will soon serve soldiers and consumers on the battlefield. Currently, researchers at the Naval Laboratory are seeking ways to increase the surface area of SiN VAPOR in order to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, SiN VAPOR sensors can also assist bomb sniffing dogs in detecting suspicious items, improving airport security.