Single molecule surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy without nanogaps

Alyssa B. Zrimsek, Anne Isabelle Henry, Richard P. Van Duyne*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

We provide conclusive proof of single molecule (SM) detection by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for discrete Ag triangular nanopyramids prepared via nanosphere lithography (NSL). While the observation of SMSERS has been well-demonstrated using various chemically synthesized nanoparticle substrates, they have a high degree of polydispersity in shape, size, and aggregation state resulting in an interest to develop more reproducible and uniform nanoparticles. Here triangular-based nanopyramids were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to confirm their geometry and interparticle spacing. Then the isotopologue approach with Rhodamine 6G was used to conclusively prove SM sensitivity for the individual nanoparticles. NSL's straightforward, simple fabrication procedure produces large active arrays. Furthermore, the tunable localized surface plasmon resonance makes NSL prepared substrates effective for the detection of resonant molecules by SMSERS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3206-3210
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume4
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 3 2013

Keywords

  • Rhodamine 6G
  • isotopologue method
  • nanosphere lithography
  • silver triangular nanoparticles
  • single molecule

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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