Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Based on Spiral Plasmonic Lens Excitation

In this study, we proposed the idea of replacing the traditional objective lens in bottom-illumination mode with a plasmonic lens (PL) to achieve tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The electric field energy of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) of the spiral PL was found to be more concentrated at the focal point without any sidelobe using the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method compared with that of a symmetry-breaking PL. This property reduces far-field background noise and increases the excitation efficiency of the near-field Raman signal. The disadvantage of only the near-field Raman scattering of samples at the center of the structure being detected when using an ordinary PL in TERS is overcome by using our proposed method of changing only the polarization of the incident light.

Automated summary

This study proposes the use of a plasmonic lens (PL) to replace the traditional objective lens in bottom-illumination mode for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). By optimizing the structure of the PL, the electric field energy can be concentrated more at the focal point, reducing background noise and increasing the excitation efficiency of the near-field Raman signal.