Raman systems include a radiation source, a radiation detector configured
to detect Raman scattered radiation, and a Raman signal-enhancing
structure. The Raman signal-enhancing structure includes a first layer of
Raman signal-enhancing material, a substantially monomolecular layer of
molecules disposed on at least a portion of the first layer of Raman
signal-enhancing material, and a second layer of Raman signal-enhancing
material disposed on at least a portion of the substantially
monomolecular layer of molecules. The second layer of Raman
signal-enhancing material is disposed on a side of the layer of molecules
opposite the first layer of Raman signal-enhancing material. Methods of
performing Raman spectroscopy include providing such a Raman
signal-enhancing structure, providing an analyte on the Raman
signal-enhancing structure, irradiating the analyte and the structure,
and detecting Raman scattered radiation.