SERS stands for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. It is a technique used in analytical chemistry to enhance and improve the detection sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique that provides information about the molecular structure and vibrational modes of a material.
With SERS, the Raman signals are significantly amplified due to the presence of noble metal nanoparticles, such as silver or gold, which act as efficient substrates for enhancing the Raman scattering signals. These metal nanoparticles are usually immobilized on a solid surface, such as a glass slide or a silicon chip, and form a rough or structured surface known as a SERS substrate.
When the sample of interest is in contact with the SERS substrate, the laser light is focused on the target molecules, and the resulting Raman scattered light is collected and analyzed. This technique offers improved sensitivity, allowing the detection and analysis of trace amounts of chemicals or molecules that would be difficult to detect using regular Raman spectroscopy.
SERS has found applications in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedical research, forensic analysis, and food safety. It has proven to be a powerful tool for studying molecular interactions, detecting contaminants, and identifying substances, as it offers high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity. The development of SERS has greatly expanded the capabilities of Raman spectroscopy, making it an invaluable tool in the field of analytical chemistry.
