What is Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and Its Applications?
SERS is a technique that enhances the Raman scattering signal of molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces or nanoparticles, often by factors of 10^6 to 10^8. This enhancement allows for:
- Single-Molecule Detection: SERS can detect individual molecules, making it an extremely sensitive analytical tool. - Chemical and Biological Sensing: SERS is used to identify and quantify chemical compounds, pathogens, and biomolecules. - Environmental Monitoring: SERS can detect trace amounts of pollutants in air, water, and soil.
