Abstract
In this study, we present facile fabrication of a miniaturized remote sensing SERS platform using highly tunable Nano-Sphere Lithography (NSL) technique. Using 200 μm diameter optical fibers with high numerical aperture (0.5NA), the SERS enhancement of remote sensing was found to be 98% of direct sensing configuration. Standard silica optical fibers were used for remote sensing using SERS without additional need of optical filtering to mitigate fluorescence and Raman background of these fibers which allows fabrication of miniaturized remote sensing platforms that can be used for remote biochemical sensing.
Highlights
Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a widely used analytical technique that provides a molecular vibrational fingerprint of the analyte being examined based on inelastic scattering of light [1]
Nano-Sphere Lithography (NSL) was performed on square microscopic cover slips 22 mm×22 mm×0.17 mm made of silica glass
Direct measurements show similar SERS performance of the optical fibers for all different Numerical Apertures (NA) while remote measurements show that larger NA is required to obtain better Raman characterization
Summary
Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a widely used analytical technique that provides a molecular vibrational fingerprint of the analyte being examined based on inelastic scattering of light [1]. It has been successfully used in a wide range of applications such as detecting explosives, process analytical techniques and, medical endoscopy [2,3,4,5]. Remote sensing using RS poses a major challenge as it is a very weak process and intrinsic fluorescence routinely interferes with RS data collection because it is 4 to 5 orders of magnitude larger in magnitude [6]. Miniaturization of Raman probes is necessary while maintaining proper signal-tobackground ratio allowing for efficient collection of RS spectra
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
