Glass-embedded silver nanoparticle patterns by masked ion-exchange process for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

• Published in: Journal of Raman spectroscopy 2011-05, Vol.42 (5), p.936-940
• Main Authors: Chen, Ya, Jaakola, Janne J., Säynätjoki, Antti, Tervonen, Ari, Honkanen, Seppo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Etching; ion-exchange; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Raman scattering; SERS; Silver; silver nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0377-0486; 1097-4555; 1097-4555
• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.2784

Glass‐embedded silver nanoparticle patterns were fabricated by masked silver–sodium ion‐exchange process followed by etching to reveal the particles for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The intensity of the enhanced Raman signal is comparable to that of the fluorescence, and the detection limit of 1 nM for Rhodamine 6G has been achieved. Raman images at different etching depths and corresponding morphological images are compared to find optimal SERS signal. Our results demonstrate that silver nanoparticle patterns embedded in glass can be used as SERS‐active substrates. Nanoparticles can be formed in a glass of high optical quality and have potential to be integrated with optical waveguides for a sensor chip. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Glass‐embedded silver nanoparticle patterns were fabricated by masked silver–sodium ion‐exchange process followed by etching to reveal the particles for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The intensity of the enhanced Raman signal is comparable to that of the fluorescence. The silver nanoparticle patterns embedded in glass can be used as SERS‐active substrates. Nanoparticles can be formed in a glass of high optical quality and have potential to be integrated with optical waveguides for a sensor chip.