Optical fiber-based hybrid SERS platform for in vivo detection of bio-molecules

US10001442B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Ya-Hong Xie · Flemington, US
• Pu Wang · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 13, 2014
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2018
• Expiry date: May 18, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2021/656
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical probe includes an optical fiber with a first end and a second end, and an enhanced surface on a portion of the first end of the optical fiber. The enhanced surface includes a patterned base layer including multiple protruding nano-pyramids, an intermediate layer over the patterned base layer, and a graphene layer over the intermediate layer. Using a layer of graphene to cover the enhanced surface increases the sensitivity of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) process performed in conjunction with the enhanced surface, and further increases the chemical stability and bio-compatibility of the enhanced surface. Further, placing the enhanced surface at the end of the optical fiber provides a self-contained probe for use with a SERS process, thereby allowing for in-vivo characterization of a sample.