SERS EM field enhancement study through fast Raman mapping of Sierpinski carpet arrays

Self-similar Sierpinski carpet fractals were fabricated using a new nanopatterning technique, i.e. solid-state superionic stamping (54), to study the effect of feature size on plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering. A real-time Raman image showing electromagnetic (EM) field enhancement contrast is demonstrated. The effects were studied and explained in the context of modes of surface plasmon excitation. Additionally, we find that the EM field enhancement supported by the fractals extends further spatially as compared to continuous Ag surfaces. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.