Despite its numerous benefits, plasmonic imaging also faces several challenges:
- Material Limitations: The choice of materials is limited due to the need for metals with suitable plasmonic properties. - Complex Fabrication: The fabrication of nanostructures with precise control over size and shape can be technically challenging and costly. - Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio, especially in complex biological environments, can be difficult. - Thermal Effects: The localized heating of plasmonic hotspots can potentially damage sensitive samples or cause unwanted thermal effects.