| Nanoparticle optics, the study of noble metal nanoparticle fabrication and their tunable optical properties, is undergoing a period of revolutionary progress. Only recently has the scientific community begun to understand the complexity and power of controlling the optical properties of nanoparticles. A perspective on fundamental advances and their resulting applications in this field is included in this thesis in order to frame the achievements reported herein. Specifically, the work described in this thesis addresses: (1) the systematic study of noble metal nanoparticle optical properties fabricated using various approaches, (2) the role that these tunable optical properties play in understanding and optimizing the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) phenomenon, and (3) an application of SERS as a small molecule biosensor.; It is demonstrated that novel nanofabrication techniques such as angle-resolved nanosphere lithography and embedded nanoparticles in nanowells present increased flexibility and control over the parameters that determine nanostructure optical characteristics. Experimental and theoretical studies of electromagnetic coupling between nanoparticles fabricated by electron beam lithography reveal the complex behavior of the radiative dipole. Also included is a novel method for maximizing the intensity of SER spectra; the implementation of this method using nanosphere lithography substrates has already revealed fundamental governing principles of the SERS technique. Careful attention to the optical properties of the noble metal surface and the chosen excitation wavelength result in consistent, optimized SER enhancement factors of up to 108. Related SER substrates were used, in combination with an appropriate partition layer, to quantitatively detect glucose in the clinically-relevant concentration range. Finally, great effort has been devoted to the development of nanoscience educational outreach materials for high school teachers and students. These materials are designed to emphasize the scientific diversity necessary to study nanoscale science and the great potential of nanoscale technology. |
