Tip-enhanced Raman scattering of p-thiocresol molecules on individual gold nanoparticles

Abstract

We present a study of tip-enhanced Raman scattering on Au aerosol nanoparticles deposited on gold films. Under the tunneling current state, the Au tip and the Au aerosol nanoparticle form a narrow cavity, where large electromagnetic field enhancements are created to enhance Raman scattering enormously. Colorless p-thiocresol molecules are used as probe molecules. The estimated Raman enhancement is about nine orders of magnitude for the tip/particle configuration.