A
nanoparticle sensor is capable of detecting and recognizing single nanoparticles in an aqueous environment. Such sensor may find applications in broad areas of science and technology, from the analysis of
diesel engine emissions to the detection of
biological warfare agents. Particle detection is based on interferometric detection of multi-color light, scattered by the particle. On the fundamental level, the detected
signal has a weaker dependence on particle size (ÿ R3), compared to standard detection methods (ÿ R6). This leads to a significantly larger
signal-to-
noise ratio for smaller particles. By using a multi-color or white excitation light, particle
dielectric properties are probed at different frequencies. This scheme samples the
frequency dependence of the particle's
polarizability thereby making it possible to predict the composition of the
particle material. The detection scheme also employs a
heterodyne or pseudoheterodyne detection configuration, which allows it to reduce or eliminate
noise contribution from phase variations, which appear in any interferometric measurements.