title: Note: A novel technique for analysis of aqueous solutions by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates typically consist of gold or silver nanoparticles deposited on a non-conductive substrate. In Raman spectroscopy, the nanoparticles produce an enhancement of the electromagnetic field which, in turn, leads to greater electronic excitation of molecules in the local environment. Here, we show that these same surfaces can be used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio obtained in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of aqueous solutions. In this case, the SERS substrates not only lower breakdown thresholds and lead to more efficient plasma initiation but also provide an appropriately wettable surface for the deposition of the liquid. We refer to this technique as surface-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Rusak
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510, USA.
authors.forename: Z T
authors.initials: ZT
authors.lastname: Bell