Abstract

Plasmonic sensors permit us to concentrate light (electromagnetic radiation) in nano-structures. By using these structures, which present superficial plasmonic resonance in the interface of different media, we can manipulate light-material interaction at a nano-technological scale. Their usefulness in the world of petro-chemistry is enormous, we can use them to find out the composition of the chemical compounds in petroleum (without extracting samples), the level of fuel in tanks, etc. in real time by just inserting the sensor into the tanks without any danger because the components of these sensors are made of glass, dielectrics and metal. They work with electromagnetic radiation (usually light) and it is impossible for any explosion to be produced.