EPJ Techn Instrum (2015) 2: 9
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjti/s40485-015-0019-5

Review

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: principles and applications

¹ National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
² Institute of Materials Physics, Hangzhou Dianzi University, 310018, Hangzhou, China
³ Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 315201, Ningbo, China

^* e-mail: debdulal.roy@npl.co.uk

Received: 29 October 2014
Revised: 7 May 2015
Accepted: 22 May 2015
Published online: 1 July 2015

Abstract

This review provides a detailed overview of the state of the art in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and focuses on its applications at the horizon including those in materials science, chemical science and biological science. The capabilities and potential of TERS are demonstrated by summarising major achievements of TERS applications in disparate fields of scientific research. Finally, an outlook has been given on future development of the technique and the mechanisms of achieving high signal enhancement and spatial resolution.