Nanostructures configured to enhance the intensity of Raman scattered
radiation scattered by an analyte include a substantially planar
substrate, a plurality of nanoparticles disposed on a surface of the
substrate, and a Raman-enhancing material disposed on at least a portion
of at least one nanoparticle. Each nanoparticle is configured to emit
lased radiation upon stimulation of the nanoparticle and may comprise a
nanowire laser. Raman spectroscopy systems include a radiation source, a
radiation detector configured to detect Raman scattered radiation
scattered by an analyte, a nanostructure including at least one
nanoparticle configured to emit lased radiation upon stimulation, and
means for stimulating the nanoparticle. Methods for performing Raman
spectroscopy include providing a nanostructure including at least one
nanoparticle configured to emit lased radiation upon stimulation of the
nanoparticle, providing an analyte proximate to the nanoparticle,
stimulating the nanoparticle, and detecting Raman scattered radiation.