SERS in opal-type stripe patterned structures with metal coating

Bilayer opal-type stripes periodically arranged on the same substrate were self-assembled using the vertical deposition of SiO 2 spheres with the intermittent motion of the meniscus. It has been shown that each such stripe with a gold or silver coating can be considered as an independent element for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The thicknesses of the gold and silver coatings were optimized using computer simulations of electromagnetic field enhancement. Monolayer or bilayer stripes of such type are not inferior to thick opal films with noble metal coating . The stripe patterned structures are easy to manufacture, exhibit good homogeneity and may be promising for automating multiple SERS tests. The structures with gold coating also demonstrate high resistance to environmental influences. The prospects for further improvement of their properties were analyzed. • Each opal-type stripe with a gold or silver coating can be considered as an independent SERS element. • Opal-type stripe patterned structures are not inferior as SERS substrates to thick opal films with noble metal coating . • The stripe patterned structures with gold coating demonstrate high resistance to environmental influences. • A computer simulation of the electromagnetic field enhancement was carried out.