Theoretical calculations are presented which show that the enhancement predicted by the particle plasmon model of surface-enhanced Raman scattering is limited by radiation damping. The damping becomes more severe as particle size increases, while the enhancement produced by small particles is limited by surface scattering. Good agreement between theory and experimental measurements of the wavelength dependence of surface-enhanced Raman scattering on lithographically produced microstructures is found when radiation damping is taken into account.

• Received 16 September 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.48.957