Quantification at Low Concentrations using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
Alex Brolo
Professor Department of Chemistry
University of Victoria
November 10, 2026
11:00 a.m.
In-person: C2-361
Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is one of the most sensitive optical methods, allowing the detection of single molecules in certain conditions. However, due to the nature of the effect that relies of strong field localization in nanometric regions, SERS quantification can be challenging. This issue is even more evident at very low concentrations, where the probability of an analyte to be present at one of these regions of high localization (SERS hotspots) become small. In order to address this challenge, our group introduced a digital protocol and showed a proof-of-concept application for the detection of environmentally relevant species. Here we will also discuss our efforts to expand this quantification concept to bioassays.”