Plasmonic Chip Hot Spot Mapping for SERS Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analyzer technologies face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and reproducibility for detecting target substances, particularly in surface-enhanced Raman scattering, due to limitations in identifying optimal hot spots for localized surface plasmon resonance and efficiently capturing microorganisms and proteins.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a chip with a substrate and multiple layers featuring concave and convex structures, where the second layer contains metal bodies capable of exciting localized surface plasmon resonance, allowing for controlled nano-level intervals and enhanced electric field hot spots, combined with an analyzer unit that scans the chip surface with a laser to record scattered light, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analyzer technologies are used for detecting target substances, then the device structure is simple, but the detection sensitivity and reproducibility are insufficient due to inability to identify optimal hot spots for localized surface plasmon resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The chip surface is divided into multiple scan regions with metal bodies arranged in specific patterns, allowing the system to segment the detection area into discrete hot spot locations that can be individually addressed and optimized for maximum detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
Metal bodies are strategically positioned at specific locations on the chip surface to create localized hot spots with enhanced electromagnetic fields. Each metal body serves as a local quality enhancement point that concentrates energy for improved detection of target substances at that specific position
2Measurement precision
If the chip surface is scanned to identify hot spots, then the detection sensitivity improves, but the measurement time increases due to scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary scan of the chip surface to identify and map hot spot locations before actual detection. This preliminary action stores the spatial information of enhanced regions, allowing subsequent measurements to quickly navigate to known optimal detection points without repeating full surface scans
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital map or model of the chip surface that replicates the physical hot spot locations and characteristics. This copied information allows the system to reference and return to optimal detection positions efficiently, reducing the need for repeated scanning while maintaining high detection accuracy
3Illumination intensity
If metal bodies are arranged with controlled nano-level intervals to create hot spots, then the electromagnetic field enhancement improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes parameters such as metal body size, shape, material composition, and spacing intervals to achieve the desired electromagnetic field enhancement. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters within feasible manufacturing tolerances, the system achieves effective hot spot creation without requiring impossible precision levels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances the detection sensitivity and reproducibility of target substances by identifying and utilizing hot spots on the chip surface, allowing for precise measurement of substance concentrations and presence, even in complex samples like biological fluids.
Implementation Method 1
metal bodies capable of exciting localized surface plasmon resonance
Implementation Method 2
scattered light, which has been enhanced at the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus including a chip containing metal bodies capable of exciting localized surface plasmon resonance at a first surface, and an analyzer unit that performs a scan of the first surface of the chip, in a state where the first surface is in contact with a sample, with a laser in at least a one-dimensional direction and records scattered light, which has been enhanced at the first surface, in association with the scan. The chip includes a substrate, a first layer where concave and convex structures are repeatedly provided on the first surface of the substrate; and a second layer that contains the metal bodies and is provided via the first layer.