Detection of complex molecular samples by low-cost surface enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate

Abstract

Raman scattering is a well-known technique for detecting and identifying complex molecular samples. The weak Raman signals are enormously enhanced in the presence of a nano-patterned metallic surface next to the specimen. This paper reports new techniques to obtain the nanostructures required for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) without costly and sophisticated fabrication steps, which are nanoimprint lithography (NIL), electrochemical deposition, electron beam induced deposition, and focus ion beam (FIB). 20 nm Au thicknesses of sputtered Au were deposited on etched household aluminum foil (base substrate) for vitro application. The Raman signal were caused by the Aluminum pre-etched times. In preliminary results, enhancement factors of 10 6 times were observed from SERS substrate for in vitro measurements. Moreover, the ability to perform in vivo measurements was demonstrated after removing the base aluminum foil substrate. This application allows Raman signals to be obtained from the surface or interior of opaque specimens. The nano-patterned gold may also be coupled in a probe to a remote spectrometer via an articulated arm. This opens up Raman spectroscopy for use in a clinical environment.