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Raman Imaging and Sensing Apparatus Employing Nanoantennas

Summary

Using technology developed by Purdue University researchers, many of the drawbacks encountered in current Raman imaging can be eliminated. This technology will enable nanoscale spatial resolutions and significantly increase the effectiveness of Raman imaging. This technology is based on specially designed plasmonic structures that act as optical nanoantennas focusing electromagnetic energy on nanometer scale areas, with high spatial and spectral control of the energy concentration. Each nanoantenna can support plasmon modes with high quality factors, resulting in high, local-field enhancement in its central part. A sample would be placed on the nanoantenna surface and subjected to a specific wavelength and polarization of laser light. This technology realizes simultaneously very large spatial and polarization-frequency selectivity in molecule sensing.

Technology Benefits

Raman imaging at a nanoscale spatial resolution Single-molecule detection is made possible with this technology

Technology Application

Research Biological testing

Detailed Technology Description

Vladimir ShalaevPurdue Electrical and Computer Engineering

Countries

United States

Application No.

6,985,223

*Abstract

*Background

Raman imaging can be used to detect the physical properties of various substances. However, current technology is limited to relatively large spatial resolutions. This makes detection and imaging of very small concentrations of a substance difficult, if not impossible. Also, using current technology, only a very weak Raman signal can be produced and detected, and this signal is subject to interference from the sensing equipment itself.

*IP Issue Date

Jan 10, 2006

*IP Type

Utility

*Stage of Development

Proof of concept

*Web Links

Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipVladimir ShalaevPurdue Electrical and Computer Engineering

Country/Region

USA