This project involves the fundamental evaluation of nanostructured materials for optical spectroscopic analyses.  This includes the development and optimization of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with multi-layered metal film over nanostructure geometries capable of enhancing the sensitivity of conventional substrates by over an order of magnitude.  This work also includes the development of tunable SERS substrates with optimal excitation using blue and/or ultraviolet light.