Raman spectroscopy depends on inelastic scattering of photons, known as
Raman scattering. It uses monochromatic light using a laser and determines vibrational
modes of molecules. This technique is commonly used for the identification of
molecules by providing its structural fingerprint. Due to very low inelastic scattering,
however, signals obtained by Raman spectroscopy are inherently weak and the problem
is more with visible light. These weak Raman signals can be used by amplifying them
by the method known as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS is a
powerful vibrational spectroscopy technique that allows for highly sensitive structural
detection of low concentration analytes. The current chapter summarizes the basics of
Raman spectroscopy and SERS, instrumentation, mechanisms differences and
applications.
Keywords: Raman Scattering, SERS, Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy SERRS, Vibrational Spectroscopy.
