An NERS-active structure is disclosed that includes a substrate and at least one elongated component disposed on the substrate. The at least one elongated component may include two conducting strips including an NERS-active material and an insulating strip positioned between the two conducting strips. Alternatively, the at least one elongated component may include a homogeneous component. An NERS system is also disclosed that includes an NERS-active structure. Also disclosed are methods for forming an NERS-active structure and methods for performing NERS with NERS-active structures.