Near-field optics and spectroscopy for molecular nano-imaging

Sci Prog. 2004;87(Pt 1):25-49. doi: 10.3184/003685004783238580.

Abstract

Application of near-field optical microscopy with a sharp metallic probe to Raman spectroscopy brings microanalysis of materials to their nano-identification and imaging. The local plasmon polariton excitation on the probe tip results in the localization and amplification of the optical field at the vicinity of the tip. The tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy has analyzed DNA base molecules and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with the nanometric spatial resolution and sufficient sensitivity. Combined with tip pressurization and nonlinear effects, the tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy gives additional spectral information or improves the spatial resolution and sensitivity. This article introduces the recent progresses on the tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy and imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / chemistry
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Biological
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silver
  • Spectrophotometry / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Silver
  • DNA
  • Adenine
  • Nitrogen