Abstract:
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probe apparatus and a method of SERS probing employ Raman-active surfaces of a plurality of nanoscale field concentrator (NFC) structures at a terminal end of an optical fiber. The SERS probe apparatus includes an optical fiber having an optical path and a terminal end that terminates the optical path. The SERS probe apparatus further includes a plurality of NFC structures and nanoparticles on surfaces of the plurality of NFC structures. First ends of the NFC structures are adjacent to the terminal end of optical fiber. The nanoparticles are Raman active to an analyte.
Abstract:
A sensing device that produces a Raman signal includes micro-rods or nano-rods arranged on a substrate in a two-dimensional (2D) array, each of the rods having a length in a single row being substantially the same, with the rod length of each row being different from the rod length of each other row. Each row of rods has a respective resonant vibration frequency that varies from row to row. A source of vibration energy, operatively connected to the substrate, excites vibration in each of the rods such that a responding row resonates when an exciting frequency approaches the resonant vibration frequency of the responding row. A method includes exposing the 2D array to a light source and analyzing Raman scattering at each rod of the 2D array to render a Raman map.
Abstract:
An integrated device for enhancing signals in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The integrated device comprising an array of nanostructures comprising a material, wherein the material is configured to allow light to pass through. The integrated device also comprising SERS active nanoparticles disposed on at least portion of the array of nanostructures and a mirror integrated below a base of the array of nanostructures. The mirror is configured to reflect light passing through the material into the array of nanostructures.
Abstract:
Packaged NERS-active structures are disclosed that include a NERS substrate having a NERS-active structure thereon, and a packaging substrate over the NERS substrate having an opening therethrough, the opening in alignment with the NERS-active structure. A membrane may cover the opening in the packaging substrate. In order to perform nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy, the membrane may be removed, and an analyte placed on the NERS substrate adjacent the NERS-active structure. The membrane may be replaced with another membrane after the analyte has been placed on the substrate. The membrane may maintain the pristine state of the substrate before it is deployed, and the replacement membrane may preserve the substrate and analyte for archival purposes. Also disclosed are methods for performing NERS with packaged NERS-active structures.
Abstract:
A compact sensor system comprising: an analysis cell configured for photon-matter interaction, where photons are received from a light source; and an integrated-optical spectral analyzer configured for identifying a set of frequencies, the integrated-optical spectral analyzer comprising: a waveguide coupled with the analysis cell, the waveguide configured for propagating a set of frequencies through the waveguide; one or more ring resonators coupled with the waveguide, the one or more ring resonators comprising a predetermined bandwidth and configured for capturing the set of frequencies corresponding to frequencies within the predetermined bandwidth; and one or more frequency detectors coupled with the one or more tunable ring resonators, the one or more frequency detectors configured for generating electrical signals that identify each of the set of frequencies.
Abstract:
A tunable apparatus for performing Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) includes a deformable substrate and a plurality of SERS-active nanoparticles disposed at a plurality of locations on the deformable substrate. The plurality of SERS-active nanoparticles are to enhance Raman scattered light emission from an analyte molecule located in close proximity to the SERS-active nanoparticles. In addition, the deformable substrate is to be deformed to vary distances between the SERS-active nanoparticles, in which varying distances between the SERS-active nanoparticles varies enhancement of an intensity of Raman scattered light emission from the analyte molecule.
Abstract:
A cleave plane is defined in a semiconductor donor body by implanting ions into the wafer. A lamina is cleaved from the donor body, and a photovoltaic cell is formed which comprises the lamina. The implant may cause some damage to the crystal structure of the lamina. This damage can be repaired by annealing the lamina using microwave energy. If the lamina is bonded to a receiver element, the receiver element may be either transparent to microwaves, or may reflect microwaves, while the semiconductor material absorbs the microwaves. In this way the lamina can be annealed at high temperature while the receiver element remains cooler.
Abstract:
A vibrating tip surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a nano-needle configured to vibrate. The apparatus includes the nano-needle with a substantially sharp tip at a free end opposite an end attached to a substrate. The tip is configured to adsorb an analyte. The apparatus further includes a vibration source configured to provide an alternating current (AC) electric field that induces a vibration of the free end and the tip of the nano-needle. Vibration of the nano-needle under the influence of the AC electric field facilitates detection of a Raman scattering signal from the analyte adsorbed on the nano-needle tip. The system further includes a synchronous detector configured to be gated cooperatively with the vibration of the nano-needle. The method includes inducing the vibration, illuminating the vibrating tip to produce a Raman signal, and detecting the Raman signal using the detector.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a stimulus responsive material to move nanorods of a plurality between inactive and active configurations. The apparatus includes the plurality of nanorods and the stimulus responsive material. The system further includes a Raman signal detector. The method of reconfigurable SERS includes providing the plurality of nanorods and exposing the stimulus responsive material to a stimulus. The exposure causes a change in one or more of a size, a shape and a volume of the stimulus responsive material that moves the nanorods between the inactive and active configurations. The active configuration facilitates one or both of production and detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by the analyte.
Abstract:
A memory element is provided that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an active region disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least a portion of the active region comprises an elastically deformable material, and wherein deformation of the elastically deformable material causes said memory element to change from a lower conductive state to a higher conductive state. A multilayer structure also is provided that includes a base and a multilayer circuit disposed above the base, where the multilayer circuit includes at least of the memory elements including the elastically deformable material.