Noble metal nanostructures that support localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) are of interest as substrates for surface-enhanced spectroscopies. The LSPR wavelength is dependent on structure size, geometry, and composition and can be tuned from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared region of the spectrum. This tunability can be controlled through physical parameters used in the fabrication process. We present investigations of gold and silver nanocrescents and disks fabricated through nanosphere template lithography to allow control of the size, shape and material of the resulting nanostructure. During fabrication, aggregation of the template produced clusters of disks with junctions of roughly 20 nm. Due to the local enhanced electromagnetic fields, these junctions act as accessible hot-spots for surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals of adsorbed molecules. Signal enhancements of 4-nitrothiophenol molecules have been observed on the surface of gold and silver nanodisks. In addition, methods to prepare tunable aluminum plasmonic structures have been investigated.

Tailored plasmonic nanostructures for surface-enhanced spectroscopy using nanosphere template lithography

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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