[Press Release] Direct Raman Detection of Ångström-Scale Ultrathin Molecular Layers at Interfaces

Conventional spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of interfacial molecules typically requires plasmonic or electronic enhancement, limiting accessible systems. A nonlinear coherent Raman method now enables direct, high sensitivity detection without such requirements. A time-frequency engineered optical design suppressed strong substrate background signals by four orders of magnitude, allowing Raman detection of ångström scale ultrathin interfacial molecular layers. This method opens new opportunities for real-time operando observations in electrochemistry, catalysis, adhesion, and molecular devices.

For Details (Eurekalert!)

• Title: Plasmonic- and Electronic-Enhancement-Free Coherent Raman Detection of Ångström-Scale Molecular Layers at Metal Interfaces
• Authors: Toshiki Sugimoto, Tomoaki Ichii, Tsuneto Kanai, Ryu Yoshizawa, Shota Takahashi, Atsunori Sakurai, Keisuke Seto, and Chengxiang Jin
• Journal: Nano Letters
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6c00802

• Institute for Molecular Science
• Molecular Science