Metal−Molecule Schottky Junction Effects in Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering

We propose a complementary interpretation of the mechanism responsible for the strong enhancement observed in surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS). The effect of a strong static local electric field due to the Schottky barrier at the metal−molecule junction on SERS is systematically investigated. The study provides a viable explanation to the low repeatability of SERS experiments as well as the Raman peak shifts as observed in SERS and raw Raman spectra. It was found that a strong electrostatic built-in field at the metal-molecule junction along specific orientations can result in 2−4 more orders of enhancement in SERS.