Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for Environmental Analyses

TLDR

Lasers revolutionized spectroscopy in the 1970s, enabling Raman analysis that benefits from water’s low background and has been further enhanced by SERS to broaden environmental applications. Halvorson and Vikesland review SERS theory and methods, illustrating its use for detecting contaminants and pathogens.

Abstract

The advent of lasers created a revolution in spectroscopic techniques starting in the 1970s. Raman analysis is a fine example, as intense laser light is required to generate detectable signals. Raman has exciting prospects for environmental applications becasuse water does not prove a significant background against chemical analysis, unlike infrared or some visible regimes. The refinement of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has further pushed the utility of this technique into myriad systems. In this Feature, Halvorson and Vikesland overview the theory and methods, and illustrate environmental applications from contaminant to pathogen detection.