New Concepts in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)

摘要

Use of new methods in submicron physics, including scanning-tunneling electron microscopy, are shown to both produce and characterize novel microbases used to enhance the Raman detection of organophosphonates and other compounds. An inexpensive and portable SERS system made feasible by these developments is described. Submonolayer amounts of compounds on surfaces are shown to be detectable with the portable system. Various microbase materials, including silver and gold, are compared in optimum configurations. Results of scanning-tunneling microscopy of the microbases used in SERS are displayed, and some other potential uses of this new type of microscopy are given. (ERA citation 12:026212)