The theory of SERS on semiconductor and dielectric substrates

Abstract

It is demonstrated that the reason for SERS on dielectric and semiconductor substrates is enhancement of the electric field in the regions of the tops of surface roughness with a very small radius or a very large curvature. The enhancement depends on the dielectric constant of the substrate and is stronger for a larger dielectric constant. It is indicated that the enhancement on dielectrics and semiconductors is weaker than on metals with the same modulus of the dielectric constant. The result obtained is confirmed by experimental data on the enhancement coefficients obtained for various semiconductor and dielectric substrates.