title: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to probe reversibly photoswitchable azobenzene in controlled nanoscale environments.
abstract: We apply in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to probe the reversible photoswitching of azobenzene-functionalized molecules inserted in self-assembled monolayers that serve as controlled nanoscale environments. Nanohole arrays are fabricated in Au thin films to enable SERS measurements associated with excitation of surface plasmons. A series of SERS spectra are recorded for azobenzene upon cycling exposure to UV (365 nm) and blue (450 nm) light. Experimental spectra match theoretical calculations. On the basis of both the simulations and the experimental data analysis, SERS provides quantitative information on the reversible photoswitching of azobenzene in controlled nanoscale environments.
authors: California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.
authors: Yue Bing
authors: YB
authors: Zheng
authors: John L
authors: JL
authors: Payton
authors: Choong-Heui
authors: CH
authors: Chung
authors: Rong
authors: R
authors: Liu
authors: Sarawut
authors: S
authors: Cheunkar
authors: Bala Krishna
authors: BK
authors: Pathem
authors: Yang
authors: Y
authors: Yang
authors: Lasse
authors: L
authors: Jensen
authors: Paul S
authors: PS
authors: Weiss