Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Gradient Echo Quantum Memory in Warm Atomic Vapor
Published on: November 11, 2013
Molecules in the mirror: how SERS backgrounds arise from the quantum method of images
Stephen M Barnett1, Nadine Harris, Jeremy J Baumberg
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
Abstract:
The Raman coupling of light to molecular vibrations is strongly modified when they are placed near a plasmonic metal surface, with the appearance of a strong broad continuum background in addition to the normal surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) peaks. Using a quantum method of images approach, we produce a simple but quantitative explanation of the inevitable presence of the background, due to the resistive damping of the image molecule. This model thus suggests new strategies for enhancing the SERS peak to background ratio.
Related Concept Videos
The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom
The de Broglie Wavelength
Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
Molecular Orbital Theory I
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy
In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...

