The book begins with a review of the vibrating molecule and the origin of infrared and Raman spectra.

Chapter 2 contains brief discussions on the absorption and scattering of light by metallic nanoparticles, the fabrication of nanostructures, and the selection of the appropriate experimental conditions for SERS and SEIRA.

Chapter 3 is dedicated to SERS as a surface plasmon assisted spectroscopy and includes discussion of the most rudimentary models that provide guidance for the experimentalist. 

Chapter 4 examines the role in observed SERS spectra of molecule–nanostructure interactions, or chemical effects.

Chapter 5 is dedicated to demonstrating that the SERS effect is functional for all molecular types.

Chapter 6 presents an overview of SERS applications.

The concluding chapter describes surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) and its applications.

Each chapter contains extensive citation to help the user, and to make the book a useful reference. A glossary is also included to help provide common terminology for those working in the multiple disciplines touched by SERS (chemistry, solid state physics, optics and electrodynamics). A comprehensive reference database of almost 3000 references from the literature from 1980 to 2004 with a listing of references by keyword is provided on www.spectroscopynow.com

The book is intended to serve as an introduction for scientists, technologists, and students who may use some aspect of surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy in their work. It has been designed to provide a general introduction to concepts and techniques, rather than a strong theoretical or experimental background. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the phenomenon and its applications, the book will be a practical help for anyone in chemistry, physics, biomedical research, or materials science in need of ultrasensitive chemical analysis with high information content, and high spatial resolution.