A device for performing surface-plasmon-polariton-assisted Raman scattering from adsorbates on single-crystal silver surfaces

We describe the theory, design, and performance of a new surface-plasmon-polariton-(SPP) assisted Raman scattering instrument that exploits the Kretschmann geometry. In contrast to previous methods, our device allows the entire SPP emission cone to be collected, thus optimizing the detected Raman intensity. This advantage makes surface Raman scattering from adsorbates on relatively smooth or single-crystal silver films possible with routine optics and electronics in the rest of the system. We demonstrate the concept with data acquired from a monolayer of paranitrosodimethylanaline (pNDMA) on nearly smooth polycrystalline Ag and single-crystal Ag(111) with air or liquid as the ambient medium.