Plasmonic Metal–Semiconductor Hybrids as Substrates for Photo-Induced Surface Raman Enhancement

This chapter provides background information on Photo-Induced Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (PIERS) and the characteristics of the metal–semiconductor hybrids used in this technique. It is divided into three subsections. Section 12.1 describes the basics of the PIERS technique and proposed signal amplification mechanism. Section 12.2 contains a comprehensive overview of the metal–semiconductor hybrids employed in the PIERS technique, outlining the correlation between the substrate structure, signal enhancement, phenomena associated with charge migration at the interface and other related mechanisms. The final Sect. 12.3 summarizes PIERS applications, perspectives related to future developments, and limitations.