Self-assembled dielectric microsphere array enhanced Raman scattering for large-area and ultra-long working distance...

Here we report enhanced confocal Raman detection with large-area and ultra-long working distance by capping dielectric microsphere array. Microspheres have been found to provide three channels for Raman scattering enhancement, including localized photonic nanojets, directional antenna effects, and whispering-gallery modes. The maximum enhancement ratio of Raman intensity is up to 14.6 using 4.94-μm-diameter polystyrene (PS) microspheres. Investigation on the directional antenna effect of microsphere reveals that the microsphere array confines electromagnetic (EM) waves to a narrow distribution with small divergent angles, by which the signal-to-noise ratio is retained and the offset of focal plane position from sample surface can be up to ± 7.5 mm. The present work reduces the requirement of focusing in confocal Raman detection and hence makes the large-area detection possible via rapid mapping. It opens up a simple approach for high-sensitivity Raman detection of 3D-structured surface.