Ocean Optics - Model SERS -Substrates

• Detection of explosives. Being able to identify trace levels of explosives allows us to better screen for threats at security checkpoints or on the battlefield.
• Detection of narcotics. Fast identification of drugs in the field is a real boon for those combating drug-related crime. Often only small residues of a sample can be collected from a crime scene. SERS also opens up a potential route for fast roadside drug screening of drivers using saliva samples.
• Food safety. Certain additives such as melamine found in milk powder can be extremely harmful even at very low concentrations. Using SERS, we can qualify and quantify the level of dangerous trace elements in our food supply chain.
• Anti-counterfeit tagging. High value products that are subject to duties and taxes — petrol is one example — are often the target of piracy and fraud. By adding a small amount of  a SERS-active taggant to the unadulterated product, detecting the presence of the taggant becomes an instant indicator of authenticity.
• Biological research. SERS can be used to identify and characterize biological samples including proteins, DNA and bacteria.

Note: The photos shown above are the silver nanoparticle substrates (item RAM-SERS-AG).

Here are some key applications made possible with SERS substrates:

• Detection of narcotics. Fast identification of drugs in the field is a real boon for those combating drug-related crime. Often only small residues of a sample can be collected from a crime scene. SERS also opens up a potential route for fast roadside drug screening of drivers using saliva samples.
• Food safety. Certain additives such as melamine found in milk powder can be extremely harmful even at very low concentrations. Using SERS, we can qualify and quantify the level of dangerous trace elements in our food supply chain.
• Anti-counterfeit tagging. High value products that are subject to duties and taxes — petrol is one example — are often the target of piracy and fraud. By adding a small amount of a SERS-active taggant to the unadulterated product, detecting the taggant becomes an instant indicator of authenticity.

• High sensitivity -- substrates demonstrate superior sensitivity for a range of analytes 
• Great stability -- highly stable substrates require no special handling and can be stored at room temperature
• Reproducibility -- highly reproducible and easily scaled manufacturing methods enable sensitive measurements at an affordable price
• Customized form factors -- unique production techniques can be tailored to impart specificity to analytes (on demand) and to custom form factors such as swabs and coatings
• Easy to use -- for great flexibility, substrates work reliably with Ocean Insight Raman instruments
• Quantity -- sold in packs of 5 substrates

• Engineering Specifications : SERS Substrates
• Substrate material : Gold nanoparticles
• Active area : 5 mm diameter
• Format : Microscope slide format (standard); other form factors available
• Sensitivity : ppm to ppb level sensitivity for wide range of analytes
• Measurement speed : Sample to results within seconds
• Substrate shelf life : ~30 days
• Value-priced package : 5 substrates per pack