Surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor based on laser nano-textured surfaces

Abstract

Nano-textured surfaces of dielectric materials were prepared by laser ablation using femtosecond laser pulses. The ripples with periods 170-270 nm were prepared on several substrates: SiC, Al2O3, GaP, glass and synthetic diamond. Gold and silver coated surfaces were used to detect surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of chemically and physically adsorbed molecules of thyophenol and rhodamine. Polarization sensitivity of ripple sensors was measured for irradiation by linearly polarized light. The limit of detection of SERS substrate was found one order of magnitude higher as compared with commercial Klarite and Solas substrates.