Abstract

We demonstrate for the first time the generation of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) signals from integrated bowtie antennas, excited and collected by the fundamental TE-mode of a single mode silicon nitride waveguide. Due to the integrated nature of this particular single mode SERS-probe one can rigorously quantify the complete enhancement process. The Stokes power, generated by a 4-Nitrothiophenol-coated antenna and collected into the fundamental TE-mode, exhibits an 8x10^6 enhancement compared to the free-space Raman scattering of a 4-Nitrothiophenol molecule. Furthermore we present an analytical model which identifies the relevant design parameters and figure of merit for this new SERS-platform. An excellent correspondence is obtained between the theoretically predicted and experimentally observed absolute Raman power. This work paves the way towards a new class of fully integrated lab-on-a-chip systems where the single mode SERS-probe can be combined with other photonic, fluidic or biological functionalities.

Related Research Topics

• Raman spectroscopy on a siliconnitride waveguide platform

Related Projects

• ERC-AdG: InSpectra (Silicon-photonics-based laser spectroscopy platform: towards a paradigm shift in environmental monitoring and health care)