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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
15:06
Measurement of Scattering Nonlinearities from a Single Plasmonic Nanoparticle
Published on: January 3, 2016
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Nonlinear Nanomechanical Mass Spectrometry at the Single-Nanoparticle Level.
Mert Yuksel, Ezgi Orhan, Cenk Yanik1
1Sabanci University SUNUM Nanotechnology Research Center , 34956 Istanbul , Turkey.
Nano Letters
|May 24, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a new measurement technique for nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) mass spectrometry. It enables sensitive and rapid mass analysis of nanoparticles and biomolecules operating in the nonlinear regime.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Mass Spectrometry
- Nanoscience
Background:
- Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are used for mass spectrometry of biomolecules and nanoparticles.
- NEMS sensors detect mass by measuring frequency shifts proportional to analyte weight.
- Nonlinearity limits the operational regime of NEMS sensors, hindering sensitive frequency tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel measurement architecture for NEMS mass spectrometry operating in the nonlinear regime.
- To enable rapid and sensitive frequency shift measurements induced by analytes.
- To overcome limitations of traditional NEMS sensing methods.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new measurement architecture for NEMS operation in the nonlinear regime.
- Utilized the architecture to measure frequency shifts induced by individual nanoparticles.
- Verified results by comparing with linear mass sensing techniques.
Main Results:
- Successfully operated NEMS sensors in the nonlinear regime for mass spectrometry.
- Individually characterized the mass of gold nanoparticles.
- Obtained the mass spectrum of a 20 nm gold nanoparticle sample by analyzing ~500 single-particle events.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique allows for sensitive and rapid mass analysis in the nonlinear regime.
- This method is applicable to thin nanomechanical structures with limited dynamic range.
- It expands the capabilities of NEMS for characterizing nanoscale objects.
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