Patent ID: 7501649

Claim:
A sensor using a fine structure body, wherein the fine structure body comprises: i) a layer-shaped base body, which has a plurality of fine holes formed in one surface, ii) fine metal particles, each of which is loaded in one of the fine holes of the base body, and iii) a thin metal film formed on areas of the one surface of the layer-shaped base body, which areas are located around each of the fine holes of the layer-shaped base body, such that the thin metal film is located at a spacing from each of the fine metal particles; wherein the layer-shaped base body comprises dielectric material or semiconductor material, wherein the sensor comprises: i) means for irradiating measuring light to an area of the fine metal particles and the thin metal film of the fine structure body, and ii) photo detecting means for detecting intensity of the measuring light, which has passed through the area of the fine metal particles and the thin metal film, or has been reflected from the area of the fine metal particles and the thin metal film.