Description

Ocean Optics SERS substrates and accessories enable highly sensitive molecular detection using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology. Designed with a patented Signal-Enhancing Heat Sink, these high-performance substrates amplify weak Raman signals while maintaining stability, repeatability, and robustness across a wide range of laser powers.

Each substrate provides four large active SERS chips with clear serialization, ensuring reliable quantitative analysis and reproducible measurements. With minimal sample preparation requirements, these substrates support fast, field-deployable point-of-care (POC) sensing across biomedical, environmental, forensic, and security applications.

Ocean Optics SERS Raman Substrates – High-Sensitivity Signal-Enhancing Heat Sink Chips for 671–1064 nm

Specifications

Consumable Type: SERS substrate
Substrate Dimensions: 75 × 24 × 0.2 mm
Active Area (chip Diameter): Ø6 mm
Number Of Active Areas: 4
Analyte Volume: 5–10 µL
Substrate Surface: Polyethylene flexible adhesive film
Raman Excitation Wavelengths: 671 / 785 / 830 / 1064 nm
Shelf Life (optimal Performance): 8 months
Storage Temperature: 5–60 (40–140) °C (°F)
Storage Humidity: < 50, non-condensing % RH

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • Surface-Enhanced Raman Sensitivity: Amplifies weak Raman signals for trace-level molecular detection.
  • Patented Signal-Enhancing Heat Sink: Maintains substrate integrity and signal stability across varying laser powers.
  • Reproducible & Repeatable: Enables confident detection, quantification, and concentration regression.
  • Long-Term Stability: Extended shelf life reduces scheduling pressure for testing.
  • Robust Design: Flexible adhesive film and durable construction for field and lab use.
  • Multiple Active Chips: Four large Ø6 mm SERS active areas per substrate with serialization.
  • Minimal Sample Preparation: Supports rapid field-based and point-of-care diagnostics.

Applications

  • Biomedicine: Biomarker detection, disease diagnostics, and therapeutic monitoring.
  • Medical Diagnostics: Rapid point-of-care molecular identification.
  • Forensics: Trace chemical and narcotics identification.
  • Food Safety: Detection of contaminants, adulterants, and pathogens.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Identification of pollutants and hazardous chemicals.
  • Threat Detection: Rapid sensing of explosives or toxic agents in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SERS and why is it useful?
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering dramatically increases Raman signal strength, enabling detection of extremely low analyte concentrations.
Which laser wavelengths are supported?
The substrates are optimized for 671, 785, 830, and 1064 nm Raman excitation.
How much sample is required?
Only 5–10 µL of analyte is needed per active chip.
How long can the substrates be stored?
Optimal performance is maintained for up to 8 months when stored within recommended temperature and humidity limits.
Are the measurements reproducible?
Yes. The substrates are engineered for high repeatability and quantitative confidence, supporting concentration regression and reliable detection.
What are SERS Raman substrates used for?
SERS Raman substrates are used to enhance weak Raman scattering signals, enabling highly sensitive detection of low-concentration molecules in chemical analysis, biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and forensic applications.
How do SERS substrates improve Raman signal intensity?
SERS substrates use nanostructured metallic surfaces that amplify the electromagnetic field near the sample surface, significantly increasing Raman signal intensity and improving detection sensitivity.
Which excitation wavelengths are supported by these SERS substrates?
These Ocean Optics SERS substrates are optimized for Raman excitation wavelengths ranging from 671 nm to 1064 nm, supporting a wide variety of VIS–NIR Raman spectroscopy systems.
What types of samples can be analyzed using SERS substrates?
SERS substrates can be used for detecting organic molecules, biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, explosives, pollutants, proteins, DNA, pathogens, and trace chemical compounds.
Are these SERS substrates compatible with portable Raman spectrometers?
Yes, the substrates are compatible with many portable and benchtop Raman spectrometers operating within the supported wavelength range.
What advantages do heat sink chips provide in SERS applications?
Integrated heat sink chips help dissipate thermal energy during laser excitation, improving measurement stability, reducing thermal degradation, and enabling more reliable spectral acquisition.
Can SERS substrates detect trace-level contaminants?
Yes, SERS technology is specifically designed for ultra-sensitive detection and can identify trace amounts of contaminants, chemicals, or biomolecules that may be difficult to detect using conventional Raman spectroscopy.
Are the substrates suitable for biomedical research?
Yes, SERS substrates are widely used in biomedical and life science research for biomarker detection, pathogen identification, drug analysis, and molecular diagnostics.
What industries commonly use SERS Raman substrates?
Common industries include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemical analysis, environmental science, food safety, defense, homeland security, and academic research.
How should SERS substrates be stored?
SERS substrates should typically be stored in a clean, dry environment away from contamination, excessive humidity, and direct handling of the active sensing surface.
Why is 785 nm excitation commonly used in Raman spectroscopy?
785 nm excitation offers a strong balance between Raman signal intensity and reduced fluorescence interference, making it one of the most widely used wavelengths for Raman and SERS applications.
What materials are commonly used in SERS substrates?
SERS substrates are typically fabricated using nanostructured noble metals such as gold or silver, which provide strong plasmonic enhancement for Raman signal amplification.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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