US Patent 7372562 - Nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy using turbulance

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7372562.html

Raman spectroscopy is a molecular detection and characterization tool that takes advantages of nanoscopically roughened or nanoparticle metallic surfaces to enhance the detection efficiency. this variation from Hewlett-Packard teaches applying vibrations that alters the spacing between metallic nanoparticles used in Raman spectroscopy to further enhance the sensitivity. Claim 1 reads:

1. A nano enhanced Raman spectroscory (NERS) system comprising:

a radiation source;

a radiation detector configured to detect Raman scattered radiation scattered by an analyte;

a container configured to provide a sealed enclosure; and

a turbulence generating device configured to generate mechanical vibrations causing random dynamic motion of a plurality of nanoparticles each comprising a NERS-active material within the container.