Abstract:
An electrically driven device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a first electrode, a substrate positioned proximate to the first electrode, a plurality of cone shaped protrusions formed integrally with or on a substrate surface, a Raman signal-enhancing material coated on each protrusion, and a second electrode positioned relative to the first electrode at a predetermined distance. Each of the protrusions has a tip with a radius of curvature ranging from about 0.1 nm to about 100 nm. The second electrode is positioned relative to the first electrode such that the electrodes together produce an electric field when a voltage bias is applied therebetween. The electric field has a field distribution that creates a stronger field gradient at a region proximate to the tips than at other portions of the substrate.
Abstract:
A light amplifying structure 100 for Raman spectroscopy includes a a resonant cavity 108. A distance between a first portion 102B and a second portion 102A of the structure 100 forming the resonant cavity 108 is used to amplify excitation light emitted from a light source 420 into the resonant cavity 108 at a first resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 108. Also, the resonant cavity 108 amplifies radiated light radiated from a predetermined molecule excited by the excitation light in the resonant cavity at a second resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 108.
Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting at least one molecule using Raman light detection includes a substrate for supporting a sample containing the at least one molecule, a laser source for emitting a laser beam to cause Raman light emission from the at least one molecule, a modulating element for modulating a spatial relationship between the laser beam and the substrate at an identified frequency to cause the Raman light to be emitted from the at least one molecule at the identified frequency, at least one detector for detecting the Raman light emitted from the at least one molecule, and a post-signal processing unit configured to process the detected Raman light emission at the identified frequency to detect the at least one molecule.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to plasmonic electric-field concentrators and to systems incorporating the plasmonic electric-field concentrators to perform Raman spectroscopy. In one aspect, a plasmonic electric-field concentrator comprises two or more large features, and a relatively small feature similar in shape to large features positioned adjacent to the two or more large features. The features are arranged so that when light of an appropriate wavelength is incident on the features, surface plasmon polaritons form on the outer surfaces of the features. The surface plasmon polaritons have associated electric fields extending perpendicular to the surfaces of the features. The electric fields are concentrated in the space between features forming an electric field hot spot that enhances Raman scattered light emitted from an analyte proximate to or absorbed on the features.
Abstract:
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a plurality of nanorods configured to vibrate. The apparatus includes the nanorods having tips at free ends opposite an end attached to a substrate. The tips are configured to adsorb an analyte and to vibrate at a vibration frequency. The apparatus further includes a vibration source configured to vibrate the free ends of the nanorods at the vibration frequency in a back-and-forth motion. Vibration of the nanorods is configured to facilitate detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by the analyte adsorbed on the nanorod tips. The system further includes a synchronous detector configured to receive the Raman signal and to be gated cooperatively with the vibration of the nanorods. The method includes inducing a vibration of the nanorods, illuminating the vibrating tips to produce a Raman signal, and detecting the Raman signal using the detector.
Abstract:
An apparatus for performing a sensing application includes a reservoir to contain a solution, a dispenser to dispense the solution from the reservoir, and a substrate having a plurality of nano-fingers positioned to receive the dispensed solution, in which the plurality of nano-fingers are flexible, such that the plurality of nano-fingers are configurable with respect to each other. The apparatus also includes an illumination source to illuminate the received solution, an analyte introduced around the plurality of nano-fingers, and the plurality of nano-fingers, in which light is to be emitted from the analyte in response to being illuminated. The apparatus further includes a detector to detect the light emitted from the analyte.
Abstract:
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus employs a nanorod in an indentation in a surface of a substrate. The SERS apparatus includes the nanorod having a tip at a free end opposite to an end of the nanorod that is supported by the substrate indentation. The indentation has a tapered profile and supports the nanorod at a bottom of the indentation. The free end of the nanorod extends away from the indentation bottom. The SERS apparatus further includes a Raman-active material at a surface of one or both of the nanorod and the indentation. The indentation and the nanorod facilitate one or both of production and detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by an analyte in a vicinity of the nanorod and indentation.
Abstract:
A scattering spectroscopy nanosensor includes a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of a presence of an analyte when interrogated by an optical stimulus. The scattering spectroscopy nanosensor further includes a protective covering to cover and protect the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate. The protective covering is to be selectably removed by exposure to an optical beam incident on the protective covering. The protective covering is to prevent the analyte from interacting with the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate prior to being removed.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a stimulus responsive material to move nanorods of a plurality between inactive and active configurations. The apparatus includes the plurality of nanorods and the stimulus responsive material. The system further includes a Raman signal detector. The method of reconfigurable SERS includes providing the plurality of nanorods and exposing the stimulus responsive material to a stimulus. The exposure causes a change in one or more of a size, a shape and a volume of the stimulus responsive material that moves the nanorods between the inactive and active configurations. The active configuration facilitates one or both of production and detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by the analyte.
Abstract:
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a plurality of nanorods configured to vibrate. The apparatus includes the nanorods having tips at free ends opposite an end attached to a substrate. The tips are configured to adsorb an analyte and to vibrate at a vibration frequency. The apparatus further includes a vibration source configured to vibrate the free ends of the nanorods at the vibration frequency in a back-and-forth motion. Vibration of the nanorods is configured to facilitate detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by the analyte adsorbed on the nanorod tips. The system further includes a synchronous detector configured to receive the Raman signal and to be gated cooperatively with the vibration of the nanorods. The method includes inducing a vibration of the nanorods, illuminating the vibrating tips to produce a Raman signal, and detecting the Raman signal using the detector.