Abstract: A method for analysing an analyte (3) using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), comprising the following steps: (a) providing an essentially flat or topologically structured metal surface (1) of a SERS-active metal; (b) depositing the analyte (3) or an open pore matrix material (5) on the surface (1); (c) depositing a multitude of nano-droplets (2) of a SERS-active metal on top of the analyte (3) or the open pore matrix material (5), respectively; and (d) spectroscopically analysing, by scanning laser irradiation and using SERS, the analyte sandwiched between the surface (1) and the multitude of nano-droplets (2). The diameter of the nano-droplets (2) is in the range of 5-70 nm, and the distance between adjacent nano-droplets (2) is smaller than their diameter, and wherein step c) is carried out by PVD or by sputtering SERS-active metal.

Abstract: A method for analysing an analyte (3) using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), comprising the following steps: (a) providing an essentially flat or topologically structured metal surface (1) of a SERS-active metal; (b) depositing the analyte (3) or an open pore matrix material (5) on the surface (1); (c) depositing a multitude of nano-droplets (2) of a SERS-active metal on top of the analyte (3) or the open pore matrix material (5), respectively; and (d) spectroscopically analysing, by scanning laser irradiation and using SERS, the analyte sandwiched between the surface (1) and the multitude of nano-droplets (2). The diameter of the nano-droplets (2) is in the range of 5-70 nm, and the distance between adjacent nano-droplets (2) is smaller than their diameter, and wherein step c) is carried out by PVD or by sputtering SERS-active metal.

Abstract: A sensor with a substrate includes nanowires extending vertically from the substrate, a hafnia coating on the nanowires that provides hafnia coated nanowires, and a noble metal coating on the hafnia coated nanowires. The top of the hafnia and noble metal coated nanowires bent onto one another to create a canopy forest structure. There are numerous randomly arranged holes that let through scattered light. The many points of contact, hot spots, amplify signals. The methods include the steps of providing a Raman spectroscopy substrate, introducing nano crystals to the Raman spectroscopy substrate, growing a forest of nanowires from the nano crystals on the Raman spectroscopy substrate, coating the nanowires with hafnia providing hafnia coated nanowires, and coating the hafnia coated nanowires with a noble metal or other metal.

Abstract: A sensor with a substrate includes nanowires extending vertically from the substrate, a hafnia coating on the nanowires that provides hafnia coated nanowires, and a noble metal coating on the hafnia coated nanowires. The top of the hafnia and noble metal coated nanowires bent onto one another to create a canopy forest structure. There are numerous randomly arranged holes that let through scattered light. The many points of contact, hot spots, amplify signals. The methods include the steps of providing a Raman spectroscopy substrate, introducing nano crystals to the Raman spectroscopy substrate, growing a forest of nanowires from the nano crystals on the Raman spectroscopy substrate, coating the nanowires with hafnia providing hafnia coated nanowires, and coating the hafnia coated nanowires with a noble metal or other metal.