The present invention includes a method for biomimetic-inspired infrared sensors utilizing a bottom up approach. This method includes providing a sinusoidal alternating electrical field between a preformed electrode gap comprising two gold micro-electrodes. Providing single needles of zinc phosphide crystals optimized for growth conditions using a physical vapour transport. Immobilizing at least one individual zinc phosphide nanowire in the preformed electrode gap using dielectrophoretic manipulation. And, placing and contacting the at least one individual zinc phosphide nanowire in the preformed electrode gap. Two nanowires are combined to form a lambda shape for improved sensing.