A system for performing nanostructure-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (NERS)
includes a radiation source, a radiation detector configured to detect
Raman scattered radiation scattered by an analyte, and a container
configured to provide a sealed enclosure. The NERS system further
includes a turbulence generating device configured to generate random
dynamic motion of a plurality of nanoparticles within the container. A
method for performing NERS includes providing a container configured to
provide a sealed enclosure, providing a plurality of nanoparticles each
comprising a NERS-active material and an analyte within the container,
causing random dynamic motion of the plurality of nanoparticles and the
analyte, irradiating the plurality of nanoparticles and the analyte with
radiation, and detecting Raman scattered radiation scattered by the
analyte.