The first carbon-nanotube devices that can detect the entire visible spectrum of light (with one-nanometer resolution) have been developed by Sandia National Laboratories researchers.

The nanotubes are decorated with three kinds of chromophores (wavelength-sensitive molecules) that respond to red, green, and blue light with specific changes in conductivity that can be correlated with the color and intensity of light.

They could be used to make smaller, higher-resolution artificial retinas, solar cells, and digital cameras.