Novel Substrates for Raman Spectroscopy

Under Contract Research for D3 Technologies, the Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre provided expertise and characterisation of materials using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, which led to new substrates for use in the healthcare diagnostics sector.

THE CLIENT: D3 technologies

THE BACKGROUND: D3 Technologies Ltd is a world leader in the field of molecular detection systems.They specialise in the highly selective and sensitive techniques of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) to produce products with superior detection capability.

THE SOLUTION: D3 technologies collaborated with the Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre (KNC) in the product development of novel substrates for Raman spectroscopy for the healthcare diagnostics sector through access to TEM for imaging and chemical analysis of nanoparticle coatings and also through access to thin metallic film deposition facilities.

THE KEY CLIENT BENEFITS: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. Development of a new product for a different market.

SUPA EXPERTISE: The Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre offers a wide range of expertise including nanostructural characterisation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and diffraction with a spatial imaging resolution of better than 0.2nm, and better than 0.1nm when working in collaboration with the Daresbury Super STEM project. By combining top quality electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and specimen preparation facilities under one roof, the Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre aims to: Develop and use state-of-the-art imaging, diffraction and analytical techniques for the characterisation of advanced functional and structural materials Interact with academic and industrial colleagues to improve understanding of fundamental processes in solids Use the new knowledge to improve the performance of materials with properties tailored for specific applications.

THE COLLABORATION MECHANISM: Contract research.