Thermo-electrically cooled surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor system

A thermo-electrically cooled surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor system, comprising:

• a source for providing an inert gas;
• a manifold having a semipermeable membrane for separating moisture from an analyte wherein said analyte and said inert gas mix to create a gas mixture;
• a chamber body having a sample chamber for receiving said gas mixture;
• a SERS structure is positioned in said sample chamber,
• wherein said sample chamber includes a thermoelectric cooler for cooling said SERS structure;
• wherein said SERS structure includes a metal foil having a roughened surface, and
• wherein said SERS structure further includes a self-assembled monolayer of thiol formed on said roughened surface;
• a heat exchanger for removing heat energy from said sample chamber;
• an optical energy source for generating an optical excitation signal that irradiates said SERS structure;
• and
• a spectroanalysis system for detecting optical emissions generated in response to said SERS structure being irradiated by said optical excitation signal when said analyte is in contact with said SERS structure.

A thermo-electrically cooled surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor system, comprising:

• a source for providing an inert gas;
• a manifold having a semipermeable membrane for separating moisture from an analyte wherein said analyte and said inert gas mix to create a gas mixture;
• a chamber body having a sample chamber for receiving said gas mixture;
• a SERS structure positioned in said sample chamber,
• wherein said SERS structure includes a metal foil having a roughened surface, and
• wherein said SERS structure further includes a self-assembled monolayer of thiol formed on said roughened surface;
• a thermoelectric cooling device for cooling said SERS structure;
• a heat exchanger for removing heat energy from said sample chamber;
• an optical energy source for generating an optical excitation signal that irradiates said SERS structure;
• and
• a spectroanalysis system for detecting optical emissions generated in response to said SERS structure being irradiated by said optical excitation signal when said analyte is in contact with said SERS structure.