High-sensitivity SNSPD-enabled swept source Raman spectroscopy for cancer detection with SERS nanoparticles

Highly sensitive and specific molecular detection is essential for advancing early cancer diagnosis. In this paper, we present an imaging system that combines swept source Raman spectroscopy with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles to enhance cancer detection capability. By incorporating a high-efficiency superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD), the system achieves remarkable detection sensitivity to the femtomolar concentrations. This performance was demonstrated under practical conditions using only 30 mW excitation power and 40 ms wavelength point exposure time, enabling ultra-sensitive acquisition. Imaging experiments on both cell and tissue samples confirm the system’s compatibility with various biological applications. Combining high sensitivity, speed, and specificity, this platform offers a promising approach for molecular imaging and early stage cancer detection using SERS-based probes.