PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING : FROM RIGID TO FLEXIBLE PLATFORMS

Abstract

Sensors play a significant role in our daily life. Among various diagnostic techniques for bio- and chemical-sensing, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), an accurate label-free and finger-print detection means, is emerging as one of the most cutting-edge techniques for non-invasively tracing low-concentration molecules. This research work aims to realize high-performance multifunctional SERS devices using facile, yet efficient approaches, rendering them to fulfill real-world tasks. The first topic introduces an intriguing type of ‘elevated’ metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanostructures, which are supported by silicon nanowires (SiNWs) array. To minimize the negative impact of biosensor waste on our living surroundings, the second topic demonstrates a recyclable SERS substrate with self-cleaning characteristics. In order to satisfy the requirement of increasingly demanded point-of-care diagnostics for non-laboratory settings’ monitoring, the third topic develops an ultra-thin flexible surface plasmon resonance (SPR) film (~10 μm) via irreversibly and longitudinally stretching metal deposited biocompatible poly (ɛ-caprolactone) film for in-situ detections.