title: Nanoparticle properties and synthesis effects on surface-enhanced Raman scattering enhancement factor: an introduction.
abstract: Raman spectroscopy has enabled researchers to map the specific chemical makeup of surfaces, solutions, and even cells. However, the inherent insensitivity of the technique makes it difficult to use and statistically complicated. When Raman active molecules are near gold or silver nanoparticles, the Raman intensity is significantly amplified. This phenomenon is referred to as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The extent of SERS enhancement is due to a variety of factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, material, and configuration. The choice of Raman reporters and protective coatings will also influence SERS enhancement. This review provides an introduction to how these factors influence signal enhancement and how to optimize them during synthesis of SERS nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
authors.forename: Nathan D
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5093-5600
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Israelsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6897-6144
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hanson
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3141-9317
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vargis