Transferrable SERS Barcodes

The demand for encoded surfaces has increased significantly over the past decade driven by rapid digitalization of world. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers unique capabilities in generation surfaces. challenge is limited versatility SERS-based encoding systems terms applicable This study addresses this using a temporary tattoo approach together with simplified fabrication SERS-active patterns ink-jet printing particle-free reactive silver ink. Plasmonic nanostructures form on paper upon and brief thermal annealing. SERS activity sufficient to detect taggant molecules rhodamine 6G, methylene blue, B nanomolar level sensitivity. Raman-active taggants can be incorporated into ink, drop-on-demand patterning multiple 1D 2D barcode geometries. barcodes effectively transferred range different substrates retaining high plasmonic geometric integrity. presented decouples pattern preparation from final substrate greatly improves barcodes.