Low-dimensional carbon spacers in surface plasmon-coupled emission with femtomolar sensitivity and 1000-fold fluorescence enhancements

We have engineered the use of 2D, 1D and 0D carbon allotropes as spacers to achieve in excess of 1000-fold fluorescence enhancements in a Surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) platform. We also have demonstrated the femtomolar sensitivity of silver decorated carbon dots (AgCD) in the detection of a radiating dipole.