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| Subject: | Is SERS wavelength dependent (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | I know SERS enhancement is wavelength dependent. Your benzoic acid sample was run at 785 nm. How is the enhancement affected by a 532 nm laser? |
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| Answer: | We have seen good enhancement at all wavelengths from 532 to 1064 nm. |
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| Subject: | SERS Measurements (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | How are the SERS measurements acquired? |
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| Answer: | We typically acquire our spectra using 100 mW of 785 nm laser excitation focused (f/0.7) at the sample, 1 minute scan (peaks are readily observed in 1-second scans). We find that 50 – 200 mW yields best results, but the higher laser power may induce sample or substrate degradation. |
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| Subject: | Laser focusing (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Does one focus the laser near the vial inner surface? |
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| Answer: | Yes, for the best results the laser should be focused just inside the inner wall of the vial. |
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| Subject: | Sol-Gel effect on spectra (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Does the sol-gel coating appear in the Raman spectrum? |
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| Answer: | No. There is no spectral signal contributed by the sol-gel matrix. |
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| Subject: | Re-use of SERS vials (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Are the vials reusable? |
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| Answer: | No, they are intended for single use. |
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| Subject: | Cleaning of SERS vials (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Can they be cleaned without damaging the inner surface? |
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| Answer: | Possibly, but this is not recommended. |
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| Subject: | SERS Vials pH range (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Will high or low pH damage the surface? |
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| Answer: | We have not observed any damage measuring samples with pH ranging from 2-11. |
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| Subject: | Compatible Solvents (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | Which solvents can we use with the vials? |
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| Answer: | Typical solvents like methanol, ethanol, toluene, dichloromethane etc. |
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| Subject: | Available Formats (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | What vial volumes are available? |
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| Answer: | The standard vials are 2 mL, but we also coat capillary tubes. Please contact us if you have a special requirement. |
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| Subject: | Ordering SERS vials (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | We want to order the vials, what is the best way? |
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| Answer: | Please contact us and a technical specialist will assist you with placing an order. |
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| Subject: | SERS Activity (9/5/2008) |
| Question: | What types of analytes are SERS active on the vials? |
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| Answer: | Typically carboxylic acids, aromatic amines, heterocyclic pyridine compounds, amino acids etc. |
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