Symmetry-Forbidden-Mode Detection in SrTiO3 Nanoislands with Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Among the techniques to reveal the chemistry, structure, and dynamics of surfaces, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) occupies a unique position for the investigation of nonmetallic nanomaterials: it provides a wealth of information of Raman spectroscopy even under ambient conditions with the opportunity for spatial resolution below the diffraction limit. The high sensitivity of the optical near field to surfaces has been exploited on self-assembled monolayers on multiple occasions, and yet, the potential for the investigation of crystalline surfaces remains to be unfolded. Using strontium titanate (SrTiO3) as a model system, we demonstrate that TERS does not only provide insight into surface symmetries but also activates otherwise symmetry-forbidden modes. The bulk phase of strontium titanate is Raman-inactive, and the optical far field therefore does not provide any first-order Raman signature: as a consequence, any peak in TERS configuration originates from the optical near field, confined to a few nanometers at the apex of the tip. We observe first-order Raman peaks interpreted as TO2, TO4, and LO4 phonon modes and the strong field enhancement of both infrared-active LO3 and Raman surface modes in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The intensity enhancement of the surface modes shows the sensitivity of TERS to monitor surface relaxation effects associated with structural phase transformations into, e.g., a polar phase, and to detect surface reconstructions that are known to be crucial for photocatalytic activity.

Automated summary

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful technique for investigating nonmetallic nanomaterials, providing insights into surface symmetries and formerly forbidden modes. The method's sensitivity to surface relaxation effects and structural phase transformations, as well as its ability to detect surface reconstructions crucial for photocatalytic activity, is demonstrated through experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.