Computational design of FIB-milled nanostructures for use in biosensing

This research describes theoretical and experimental evaluations of electromagnetic fields around ordered arrangements of gold and silver nano-pillars. Finite difference time domain method is employed in simulating the periodic arrangements of nano-pillars having different geometries. Metallic nanostructures are developed using the focused ion beam (FIB) milling process. These structures are also fabricated on gold-coated tips of four mode and multimode silica optical fibers. Enhancements in surface enhanced Raman scattering signals are monitored in the experimental evaluation of nanopillars. These FIB-milled nanostructures show practical use for biosensing applications.