The last two years has seen a significant increase in the number of laboratories using SERS - a technique that provides superior detail and data handling in applications that include drug discovery, medical diagnostics, and forensic analysis
Comprising a compact, laser-safe Raman spectrometer, a complete data handling software package and the company's Klarite substrates, the toolkit allows enhancements in sensitivity and repeatability, enabling SERS to move out of research into a routine analytical technique.
"This is the first time anyone has successfully integrated the three key elements for affordable adoption of SERS," said Steve Allen, Head of Mesophotonics' Analytical Business,
"Now, spectrometer, substrate and a complete spectroscopic data handling software are all available in one toolkit, providing a complete solution from sample-to-answer."
The use of Raman Scattering to investigate adsorbates on surfaces was initially thought to be of insufficient sensitivity.
However, it was discovered that certain molecules and appropriately prepared metal surfaces could display Raman scattering cross-sections many orders of magnitude greater than for isolated molecules. Raman Scattering is carried out using infra red light (see FTIR).
SERS is used to investigate the vibrational properties of adsorbed molecules (see RAIRS and HREELS). Metal surfaces have to be of high reflectivity and of a suitable roughness.
Increasing sensitivity of detectors these days means that Raman spectra can be observed in very thin films without the need for the surface enhancement effect.
Klarite substrates enhance Raman signals by several orders of magnitude and enable faster, higher accuracy detection at lower detection limits.
For further details of Mesophotonics SERS toolkit, go to the company's >website for further details.