Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the reliable analysis of solid-state surfaces

In many industrial fields, the purity of materials is a key feature and the identification of impurities is crucial.

For instance, a quicker detection and allocation of dangerous germs and a closer monitoring of smallest traces of environmental pollutants like nano-plastics lead to a higher safety.

Likewise, in the production process of high purity devices like ultraprecise lenses or semiconducting devices contaminations can lead to a change in functionality and understanding its origin is decisive.

Our technology offers a new reliability to a powerful method – so-called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or “SERS”.

Moreover, with our so-called “SERS-plasters” we enable the application of SERS on solid state surfaces which was up to now not possible, thus opening completely new industrial markets.

Our technology is based on ultra-precise nanostructures that enhance the signals of the substances in question up to a billionfold.

Our nanostructures consist of a novel material, and are fabricated by a scalable nanostructuring method, that was invented by us and tailored specifically to the material. The combination allows reproducible nanostructures and enables a new reliability in ultrasensitive detection.

In the proposed project we will develop an extensive marketing strategy for our SERS-plasters and successfully bring our product to market. In addition, the coaching and mentoring program will sharpen the leadership skills of our CEO and female-founder, Dr. Henriette Maaß, and raise our awareness for gender inequalities in a deep-tech surrounding.