Patent ID: 7826042

Claim:
A detection device comprising: a microstructure as a channel for transporting a sample, the microstructure comprising: a plurality of voids each having a diameter of 1 nm to 10 μm; and a plurality of microparticles of which properties are changed due to contact with a target substance, the plurality of microparticles containing a metal element and being provided on a surface of the plurality of voids, means for bringing the target substance into contact with the plurality of microparticles; and means for detecting a change in properties of the plurality of microparticles caused when the target substance is brought into contact with the plurality of microparticles, based on light transmitted through the microstructure when the plurality of microparticles are irradiated with light, wherein the plurality of microparticles are located in a direction in which the light for irradiating the microstructure travels, and wherein the detecting means is a means for detecting the change in the properties of the plurality of microparticles based on a summation of light output from the plurality of microparticles upon irradiation with light.