title: Nanomechanical resonance spectroscopy: a novel route to ultrasensitive label-free detection.
abstract: We propose a new chemical detection technique in which an analyte's vibrational frequencies are interrogated directly using an array of nanomechanical resonators. This "nanomechanical resonance spectroscopy" (NRS) could permit label-free chemical detection, combining the high sensitivity of nanomechanical approaches with the high selectivity of traditional spectroscopy. A computational proof of principle is presented, demonstrating the central concept: exploiting resonant exchange of vibrational energy for chemical identification. Guidelines for experimental realization of NRS are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Berkeley Nanosciences and Nanoengineering Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
authors.forename: P Alex
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Greaney
authors.forename: Jeffrey C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Grossman