Transmission-type plasmonic sensor for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

We present a novel optical device for the analysis of chemical surface properties utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The device, a transmission-type plasmonic sensor (TPS), offers the advantages of high sensitivity, nondestructive sample characterization, simple setup, and low-cost fabrication. The TPS is composed of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on a convex quartz glass substrate. The enhanced Raman spectrum is acquired by focusing a laser beam perpendicular to the sample surface through the substrate. The laser beam generates plasmon polarization in droplet-shaped Ag NPs at the sensor/sample interface. Our results indicate the potential of the device as a versatile surface-analytical tool.