SERS Substrate 'MatoS'

The active area is the same for the complete SERS substrates made by AtoID, just form factor and coatings are different. Stochastic nanostructure features fragments from tens of nanometers to few microns and such variety meets resonance criteria for many different vibrational modes of molecules. That is the reason why you will always get a high SERS activity with a variety of analytes if only the molecules are well adsorbed.

Another useful feature is that the active area is electrically conductive. This allows you to use an electric field to polarize the molecules having poles of positive and negative charge and bring them closer to the substrate. The surface resistance is approx. 1 Ohm/mm.

The substrate is made from silicate glass, which itself is a weak Raman scatterer. On the other hand, glass is extremely cost-effective and stable, which makes this substrate suitable for routine analysis in the chemical industry and medical diagnostics. The substrate material is what makes it suitable for all ways of use: immersion, powder, or gas.

We specify 2 months shelf life, nonetheless, we have used substrates, which were produced 6 to 12 months prior to use and have not noticed any significant degradation.