Porous Silicon Sensors (IMAGE) Optica Caption This image illustrates the enormous increase in surface area possessed by porous silicon sensors. If we assume a traditional sensor can capture molecules on an area equivalent to that of a golf ball, then a similarly sized porous silicon sensor has enough surface area to capture molecules on an area equivalent to that of a football field. The ability to capture more molecules increases the probability and sensitivity of detecting small molecules such as DNA or toxins. Credit Vanderbilt University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.