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Title: Detection of volatile organic compounds using surface enhanced Raman scattering

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1047786

The authors present the detection of volatile organic compounds directly in their vapor phase by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates based on lithographically-defined two-dimensional rectangular array of nanopillars. The type of nanopillars is known as the tapered pillars. For the tapered pillars, SERS enhancement arises from the nanofocusing effect due to the sharp tip on top. SERS experiments were carried out on these substrates using various concentrations of toluene vapor. The results show that SERS signal from a toluene vapor concentration of ppm level can be achieved, and the toluene vapor can be detected within minutes of exposing the SERS substrate to the vapor. A simple adsorption model is developed which gives results matching the experimental data. The results also show promising potential for the use of these substrates in environmental monitoring of gases and vapors.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
1047786
Report Number(s):
LLNL-PROC-541411; TRN: US201216%%494
Resource Relation:
Conference: Presented at: SPIE Defense, Security & Sensing, Baltimore, MD, United States, Apr 23 - Apr 27, 2012
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English