Micro-lensed optical fibers for a surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing probe

We present the fabrication and characterization of a novel sensing configuration based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and two micro-lensed optical fibers. The first micro-lensed fiber is used to excite surface plasmon resonance in a gold film deposited over a mono-layer of nano-sphere surface (AuFON), and the second lensed fiber is used to collect the SERS signal. The sensing capabilities of the fabricated device are demonstrated by measuring different concentrations of Rhodamine 6G in a water solution.