Probing the photothermal effect of gold-based nanocages with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)

Abstract

(figure represented) A spectral thermometer: The conformation of molecules on a metallic nanoparticle's surface is sensitive to temperature variations and can be easily monitored in situ by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Excitation of the metallic nanoparticle for SERS can concurrently induce a photothermal effect whereby the light absorbed by the nanoparticle is released as heat. From the SERS spectra, the changes in temperature during the photothermal effect can be derived (see picture). © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.