Plasmon Laser Sensor Schematic (IMAGE) University of California - Berkeley Caption The plasmon laser sensor consists of a 50-nanometer-thick semiconductor separated from the metal surface by an 8-nanometer-thick dielectric gap layer. Surface defects on the semiconductor interact with molecules of the explosive DNT. Credit Ren-Min Ma and Sadao Ota Usage Restrictions All rights reserved. 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.