Photonic Nose for Chemo- and Bio-Agent Detection: A Novel Surface Enhanced Raman Approach
Abstract
Critical feasibility concerns, and therefore phase I objectives, are: 1) transfer of the technology from an academic lab (JILA) to industry (Vescent), 2) thin film characterization and definition of a manufacturing protocol to provide reproducible SERS active sites, and 3) demonstration of the Raman enhancement via recording the spectrum of a known analyte. All of the phase I objectives were met. Vescent Photonics worked within the JILA laboratory in order to learn both the synthesis techniques and the metrology methodology associated with photo-generated SERS films. This experience facilitated the design of a Vescent experimental apparatus, which enabled production and analysis of SERS films at the Vescent facility. This was one of the key objectives for technology transfer from JILA ato industry. The polymer films were scrutinized by stylus profilometry, and atomic force microscopy. The process tolerances for uniform film generation were refined, and most notably, the film thickness was determined to be <lOnm. This is qualitatively different than previous estimates of = lOOnm. Parameter space was explored and a manufacturing protocol was established for reproducible manufacturing of these ultra-thin films. A final objective of this phase I contract was to record the SERS spectrum of a known analayte. Multiple techniques of exposing the SERS-active to known analytes were explored. The best results were obtained via doping of analytes into the polymer film, which yielded spectral features for trans 1-2 bis (3-pyridyl) enhylene (BPE) and toluene. The time resolved nature of these spectra (e.g. blinking) is strongly suggestive of single molecule behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426905
Entities
People
- Scott Davis