Ultraviolet nanoplasmonics: a demonstration of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, and photodegradation using gallium nanoparticles

Nano Lett. 2013 Jun 12;13(6):2837-41. doi: 10.1021/nl401145j. Epub 2013 May 13.

Abstract

Self-assembled arrays of hemispherical gallium nanoparticles deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on a sapphire support are explored as a new type of substrate for ultraviolet plasmonics. Spin-casting a 5 nm film of crystal violet upon these nanoparticles permitted the demonstration of surface-enhanced Raman spectra, fluorescence, and degradation following excitation by a HeCd laser operating at 325 nm. Measured local Raman enhancement factors exceeding 10(7) demonstrate the potential of gallium nanoparticle arrays for plasmonically enhanced ultraviolet detection and remediation.