Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Though specific, Raman signals are intrinsically weak. Hence, Raman spectroscopy is rarely used for analysis of samples with low analyte concentration. However, with use of metal nanostructures or particles, Raman signals may be increased. This technique is called SERS, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Using textured metals (i.e. Au, Ag, Cu) as substrates, molecules of interest are adsorbed on the rough metal surfaces. Using Raman, the vibrational properties of adsorbed molecules are studied for structural information and local interactions. The enhancement factor of SERS can be as much as 1014-1015, allowing the possibility for trace level detection.

SERS makes a valuable technique for analyzing mixtures, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Publications by Enwave Customers with SERS Applications:
  • Abell, J.L., Driskell, J.D., Dluhy, R.A., Tripp, R.A., and Zhao, Y.-P. Fabrication and characterization of a multiwell array SERS chip with biological applications. June 2009. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 24:3663-3670.
  • Chu, H. Liu, Y., Huang, Y. and Zhao, Y. A high sensitive fiber SERS probe based on silver nanorod arrays. Sept. 2007. Optics Express, 15 (19): 12230-12239.
  • Chu, H., Huang, Y. and Zhao, Y. Silver Nanorod Arrays as a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate for Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Detection. May 2008. Applied Spectroscopy, 62 (8) : 922-931.
  • Drake, P., Chang, H.-W., Lin, Y.-J. The design of a peptide linker group to enhance the SERS signal intensity of an atto680 dye-nanoparticle system. Jan. 2010. J. Raman Spectrosc., online publication.
  • Fan, J.-G. and Zhao, Y.-P. Gold-Coated Nanorod Arrays as Highly Sensitive Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. October 2008. Langmuir, 24: 14172-14175.
  • Gu, B., Hatab, N.A., Eres, G., Retterer, S., Boss, P.A., and Hatzinger, P.B. 2008. A Portable Fiberoptic Surface Enhanced Raman Sensor for Real-Time Detection of Perchlorate and Energetics. Poster 178 presented at SERDP (Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program).
  • Khan, M.A., Huang, H., Shanker, B., Hogan, T.P. Surface Plasmon Structures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering. 2008. Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., 1055.
  • Liu, Y., J. Fan, Y. P. Zhao, S. Shanmukh and R. A. Dluhy. 2006. Angle dependent surface enhanced Raman scattering obtained from a Ag nanorod array substrate. Appl. Phys. Lett. 89. 173134.
  • Muhammad A. Khan, Timothy P. Hogan, B. Shanker. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering from gold-coated germanium oxide nanowires. May 2008. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy.