Laser writing of single-crystalline gold substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. (21st July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Astha; Sharma, Geeta; Ranjan, Neeraj; Mittholiya, Kshitij; Bhatnagar, Anuj; Singh, B P; Mathur, Deepak; Vasa, Parinda
• Is Part Of: Materials research express. Volume 4:Number 7(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-07-21
• Subjects: surface enhanced Raman scattering -- direct laser writing -- surface plasmon polaritons -- femtosecond lasers; Materials science -- Research -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/aa78b2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1591

Abstract

Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, a powerful contemporary tool for studying low-concentration analytes via surface plasmon induced enhancement of local electric field, is of utility in biochemistry, material science, threat detection, and environmental studies. We have developed a simple, fast, scalable, and relatively low-cost optical method of fabricating and characterizing large-area, reusable and broadband SERS substrates with long storage lifetime. We use tightly focused, intense infra-red laser pulses to write gratings on single-crystalline, Au (1 1 1) gold films on mica which act as SERS substrates. Our single-crystalline SERS substrates compare favourably, in terms of surface quality and roughness, to those fabricated in poly-crystalline Au films. Tests show that our SERS substrates have the potential of detecting urea and 1, 10-phenantroline adulterants in milk and water, respectively, at 0.01 ppm (or lower) concentrations.