PHYS/ASTR Colloquium: "Everything You Need to Know about TERS and More" - Patrick Z. El-Khoury (Senior Research Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

San Francisco State University

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium Series

Monday, March 4, 2024

Thornton Hall 411, 3:30 PM

Speaker: Patrick Z. El-Khoury (Senior Research Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
Host: Huizhong Xu

Title: Everything You Need to Know about TERS and More

Abstract: The manipulation of light near the apex of a metallic nano-tip has
enabled single molecule detection, identification, and imaging. The
distinct advantages of the so-called tip-enhanced optical nano-
spectroscopy/nano-imaging approaches are self-evident: ultra-high
spatial resolution (nanometer or better) and the ultimate sensitivity
(down to yoctomolar) are both attainable, all while retaining the ability
to chemically fingerprint one molecule at a time (e.g., through Raman
scattering). An equally interesting aspect of the same approach stems
from using the properties of molecules to characterize the environments
in which they reside. This concept of spectroscopy on the left hand side
of the Schrödinger equation is certainly not novel and has been
discussed in pioneering single molecule studies that ultimately led to a
Nobel prize in chemistry. That said, local environment mapping through
ultrasensitive optical spectroscopy acquires a unique flavor when
executed using tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). TERS on the left
hand side of the Schrödinger equation is the major topic of this talk.
The talk will also highlight complementary multimodal (non)linear nano-
optical measurements that target plasmonic nanoparticles and
nanostructures, and that are aimed at visualizing and understanding the
nanoscopic optical fields that allow enhanced nano-spectroscopy and
nano-imaging of molecular and materials systems.