Sers Substrate, Method of Its Manufacture, and Its Use for Plasmon-Enhanced Optical and Chemical Applications

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent presents a novel solid substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), designed to maximize plasmonic field enhancement for improved detection sensitivity in optical and chemical applications. The substrate features a base with an array of nanopillars, each with separate plasmonic material layers on both the substrate surface and the tops of the nanopillars. This two-level plasmonic layout significantly boosts local electric fields when irradiated with light, thus amplifying detection signals for molecules or analytes. The manufacturing method is streamlined for reproducibility and scalability, making it suitable for commercial use.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Biomedical diagnostics using high-sensitivity detection of biomolecules.
• Environmental monitoring of pollutants or hazardous chemicals at trace levels.
• Pharmaceutical analysis for detecting low concentrations of compounds.
• Food safety testing for trace contaminants, toxins, or pathogens.
• Forensic analysis requiring detection of minute chemical residues.
• Catalysis studies and reaction monitoring using plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies.
• Research in materials science and nanotechnology involving plasmonic effects.
• Portable and point-of-care diagnostic devices requiring reliable SERS substrates.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly enhanced electric field strength compared to conventional SERS substrates, leading to higher sensitivity.
• High surface area for analyte adsorption, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
• Scalable and reproducible fabrication process using semiconductor microfabrication techniques.
• Reduced batch-to-batch variation, supporting reliable and consistent measurement performance.
• Compatibility with various plasmonic materials, including gold and silver, for a range of applications.
• Design flexibility in nanopillar geometry and distribution for customized performance.
• Suitability for mass production, enabling broader commercial and industrial adoption.
• Potential for integration into miniaturized or portable detection systems due to robust solid-state construction.

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Patent Abstract

The present disclosure refers to a SERS substrate for plasmon-enhanced optical and chemical applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a method for its manufacture and its use.The SERS substrate (1) comprising: a base substrate (10) comprising a base (11) and an array of nanopillars (12) provided on a surface (11a) of the base (11) and extending upwardly therefrom; a first layer (21) of a plasmonic material provided on the surface (11a) of the base (11); and a second layer (22) of a plasmonic material provided on a top surface (12a) of the nanopillars (12).