US Patent 7426025 - Lasing nanostructures for Raman Spectroscopy

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7426025.html

Raman spectroscopy is a popular methodology for molecular analysis. Typically an external laser is used in technique but this patent from Hewlett Packard teaches using nanowire laser arrays on which the molecules under study are placed adjacent the nanowire array. Claim 1 reads:

1. A nanostructure configured to enhance the intensity of Raman scattered radiation scattered by an analyte, the nanostructure comprising:

a substantially planar substrate;

a plurality of nanoparticles extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a surface of the substantially planar substrate, each nanoparticle of the plurality of nanoparticles being configured to emit lased radiation from a top surface thereof upon stimulation of the nanoparticle; and

a Raman-enhancing material disposed on at least a portion of at least one nanoparticle.