The research with ultra-sensitive detection by Raman enhancement has traditionally focused on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) or Tip Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) from predominantly Raman active materials (monolayers of metallic nanoparticles of gold and silver). However, these traditional SERS & TERS methods have demonstrated limited applicability due to many inherent disadvantages. In this study, we have demonstrated the next generation of Enhanced Raman Sensing by adding a third dimension, by introducing a concept of employing atomic scale features (voids in nanostructures) for molecular level detection. Unlike traditional SERS/TERS, the atomic scale platform also exhibited immunity to the excitation wavelength showing potential for universal sensor. Additionally, this portable platform demonstrated a wide spectrum of applications from trace level detection of environmental pollutants, Raman reporter molecule sensing, detection of biomarkers associated with cancer and detection of cancer from the DNA, opening new doors for many non-invasive, ultrasensitive and remote sensing applications. The atomic scale platform was synthesized with two features- multi-tip probes encapsulated with multiple layers of atomic scale voids. Multi-photon ionization mechanism was used for the synthesis. We have witnessed exponentially increased and highly reproducible Raman enhancement from a traditionally Raman inactive material (semiconductor based ZnO) demonstrating molecular level detection. Utilization of atomic-scale features (voids in nanostructures) for activation of a typically Raman inactive material for molecular level detection will create a paradigm for future studies in the field of Raman enhancement for Raman active as well as Raman inactive materials. This mechanism will initiate avenues for many new materials to be candidates for Raman sensing.

传统上，通过拉曼增强进行超灵敏检测的研究主要集中在主要由拉曼活性材料（金和银的金属纳米粒子的单层）构成的表面增强拉曼散射（SERS）或尖端增强拉曼散射（TERS）。但是，由于许多固有的缺点，这些传统的SERS＆TERS方法已显示出有限的适用性。在这项研究中，我们通过引入第三维来演示了采用下一代三维增强拉曼传感技术，该概念引入了采用原子尺度特征（纳米结构中的空隙）进行分子水平检测的概念。与传统的SERS / TERS不同，原子尺度平台还显示出对激发波长的免疫力，显示了通用传感器的潜力。此外，这个便携式平台展示了广泛的应用，从痕量环境污染物检测，拉曼报告分子检测，与癌症相关的生物标志物检测和DNA检测癌症，为许多非侵入性，超灵敏和遥感应用打开了新的大门。原子尺度平台由两个特征合成-多尖端探针封装有多层原子尺度空隙。合成采用了多光子电离机理。我们目睹了传统拉曼惰性材料（基于半导体的ZnO）以分子水平检测的方式，以指数方式增加了可重复提高的拉曼光谱，并且再现性极高。利用原子尺度特征（纳米结构中的空隙）激活典型的拉曼惰性材料进行分子水平检测，将为拉曼活性材料和拉曼惰性材料的拉曼增强领域的未来研究创造一个范例。这种机制将为许多新材料成为拉曼传感候选材料开辟道路。