Ultra-sensitive molecular detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering on periodic metal-dielectric nanostructures

Chun Nien; Yi-Hsuan Li; Vin-Cent Su; Chieh-Hsiung Kuan

doi:10.1117/12.2251423

20 February 2017 Ultra-sensitive molecular detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering on periodic metal-dielectric nanostructures

Chun Nien, Yi-Hsuan Li, Vin-Cent Su, Chieh-Hsiung Kuan

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 10112, Photonic and Phononic Properties of Engineered Nanostructures VII; 1011226 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2251423
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique for trace chemical analysis and single molecule detection in the application of biochemical monitoring and food safety due to its ability to enhance the Raman scattering of molecules near the metallic surface or nanostructures. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the SERS enhancement by the periodically nanostructured surface, where the thin film of silver is deposited onto the surface, except the sidewall of posts, of 1-D lamellar gratings with varying pitch to forming metal-dielectric composite nanostructures. By enhancing the localized and surface-propagating mode in the vicinity of the concaves, the SERS signal can be improved by amplifying the intensity of electric field and increasing the optical path length of the incident light. Experimental investigations show that the enhancement factor can be manipulated by varying the polarization of incident light and the pitch size of gratings. To demonstrate the SERS effects of the proposed structures, thin layers of benzoic acid, which is commonly used as a food preservative, are deposited on the SERS substrates by spin-coating a solution of benzoic acid and dried at room temperature. A Confocal Raman microscope with a 532 nm laser source is used to illuminate light and measure the Raman spectrum of benzoic acid. We demonstrate the Raman signal of benzoic acid can be enhanced on the order of 10² on the SERS substrates.

Citation Download Citation

Chun Nien, Yi-Hsuan Li, Vin-Cent Su, and Chieh-Hsiung Kuan "Ultra-sensitive molecular detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering on periodic metal-dielectric nanostructures", Proc. SPIE 10112, Photonic and Phononic Properties of Engineered Nanostructures VII, 1011226 (20 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2251423

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