Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a surface-sensitive technique that enhances Raman scattering by moleculesadsorbed on rough metal surfaces or by nanostructures such as plasmonic-magnetic silica nanotubes.[1] The enhancement factor can be as much as 1010 to 1011,[2][3] which means the technique may detect single molecules.[4][5]
^Blackie, Evan J.; Le Ru, Eric C.; Etchegoin, Pablo G. (2009). "Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Nonresonant Molecules". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 131 (40): 14466–14472. doi:10.1021/ja905319w. PMID19807188.
^Blackie, Evan J.; Le Ru, Eric C.; Meyer, Matthias; Etchegoin, Pablo G. (2007). "Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Enhancement Factors: A Comprehensive Study". J. Phys. Chem. C. 111 (37): 13794–13803. CiteSeerX10.1.1.556.4418. doi:10.1021/jp0687908.