Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with ultraviolet excitation

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy excited with a UV laser was successfully developed and the UV-SER spectra of various adsorbates, including pyridine and SCN-, on different transition metal electrodes were obtained. The experimental requirements for obtaining UV-SERS in an electrochemical system are given. The surface enhancement factor of a roughened Rh electrode covered with thiocyanate as a model molecule was estimated to be about two orders of magnitude in the UV region, consistent with our preliminary theoretical calculation based on the electromagnetic model. The investigation of SERS in the UV region will improve the understanding of the SERS enhancement mechanism and broaden the research field of SERS in areas such as surface science and the life sciences. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.