Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Imaging Odor-Evoked Activities in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb using Optical Reflectance and Autofluorescence Signals
Published on: October 31, 2011
An optoelectronic nose: "seeing" smells by means of colorimetric sensor arrays
Abstract:
A new approach to general sensors for odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using thin films of chemically responsive dyes as a colorimetric sensor array is described. This optoelectronic "nose," by using an array of multiple dyes whose colors change based on the full range of intermolecular interactions, provides enormous discriminatory power among odorants in a simple device that can be easily digitally imaged. High sensitivities (ppb) have been demonstrated for the detection of biologically important analytes such as amines, carboxylic acids, and thiols. By the proper choice of dyes and substrate, the array can be made essentially nonresponsive to changes in humidity.
Related Concept Videos
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Tactile and Chemical Senses

