Enhanced Raman scattering mediated by large wave-vector surface plasmon polaritons

TL;DR

This paper investigates how large wave-vector surface plasmon polaritons enhance Raman scattering, emphasizing the roles of low group velocity and electric field localization at surfaces, especially in configurations with two nearby surfaces.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of large wave-vector surface plasmon polaritons and analyzes their role in enhancing Raman scattering through field localization and density of states effects.

Findings

Large wave-vector surface plasmon polaritons significantly boost Raman signals.

Low group velocity of polaritons enhances electric field localization.

Surface plasmon density of states influences Raman scattering efficiency.

Abstract

Surface enhanced Raman scattering mediated by surface plasmons polaritons with wave vector much larger than those of light is considered. The excitation of these polaritons and their efficient Raman scattering due to low group velocity and electric field localization at the surface is discussed for the case of two nearby surfaces. The Raman scattering depends not only on the intensity of the electric fields seen by the molecules but also on the surface plasmon density of states.