"Spasers" for cytometers on a chip? Developed in 2003, spasers (surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) are much like lasers but much, much smaller. The spaser uses surface plasma waves - electromagnetic waves that are combined with an electron fluid wave in a metal. They can be less than 100nm in length. Their future is envisioned for a range of applications in new electronics and optical devices. BioPhotonics, March 2011, pg 11.