The attachment shows Rhodamine 6G or Crystal Violet (I cannot recall which Raman dye was used unfortunately, but it was certainly one of these two) drop-cast (2 μl volume - solvent DI water; 10 μM concentration) on a nanostructured gold surface* and left in ambient conditions for a number of months.
The resulting pattern in the dried dye spot region looks most unusual. Does anyone know the reason for these fractal-like formations?
Many thanks,
Mike
*The nanostructres here (not visible at the magnification of the attached micrograph) are 'nano-domes' of dimensions ~ 200 nm x 200 nm x 200 nm and period of ~ 600 nm. The disparity in scale to the fractal dye patterns makes me assume that the nanostructures are not relevant to the dye patterns observed.
Dear Mike Hardy,
I'm not sure, but I think that you are seeing (al the edge of the figure) the dye's crystals formation due the evaporation of the solvent. If was exposed to the ambient it is possible tath dust or another particles produce of taht pattern tath you call fractal type (If I'm interpreting you well). At the center of the image I think that you see the polishing pattern of the surface were was formed the nanoparticles. And I agree with you, The details of the nanostructure are not relevant to the patterns observed. I hope this opinon would be useful. Regards.
Juan
I'm totally agree with dye crystallization hypothesis. By the way, you can check the Raman spectrum of those crystals to get the idea which of the dyes you have used.
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