Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that enhances the Raman scattering signal of molecules through interactions with metallic nanostructures. This book provides a comprehensive overview of SERS and related plasmonic effects, covering fundamental principles, experimental techniques, and applications. The first chapter introduces SERS, its mechanisms, substrates, and probes, while discussing key aspects such as enhancement factors, sample preparation, and related techniques. It also explores applications of SERS, including improved sensitivity and comparisons with fluorescence spectroscopy. The book then delves into the theoretical foundations of Raman spectroscopy, including the Raman effect, optical spectroscopy, and the quantum approach to Raman scattering. It discusses vibrations, the Raman tensor, and the relationship between plasmons and SERS. The following chapters explore plasmonics, surface plasmon-polaritons, and localized surface plasmon-polaritons, detailing their properties and applications. The text also covers the electromagnetic enhancements in SERS, including local field effects, radiation enhancements, and the debate between chemical and electromagnetic enhancements. The book further examines the calculation of electromagnetic enhancements, the role of metallic colloids in SERS, and recent developments such as single-molecule SERS, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), and new substrates from nanotechnology. It also discusses optical forces, applications of SERS, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations for Raman spectroscopy. The final chapters provide a detailed overview of Maxwell's equations, the Lorentz model of polarizability, and the dielectric functions of gold and silver. The book concludes with a discussion of the future of SERS and its potential in various fields.Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that enhances the Raman scattering signal of molecules through interactions with metallic nanostructures. This book provides a comprehensive overview of SERS and related plasmonic effects, covering fundamental principles, experimental techniques, and applications. The first chapter introduces SERS, its mechanisms, substrates, and probes, while discussing key aspects such as enhancement factors, sample preparation, and related techniques. It also explores applications of SERS, including improved sensitivity and comparisons with fluorescence spectroscopy. The book then delves into the theoretical foundations of Raman spectroscopy, including the Raman effect, optical spectroscopy, and the quantum approach to Raman scattering. It discusses vibrations, the Raman tensor, and the relationship between plasmons and SERS. The following chapters explore plasmonics, surface plasmon-polaritons, and localized surface plasmon-polaritons, detailing their properties and applications. The text also covers the electromagnetic enhancements in SERS, including local field effects, radiation enhancements, and the debate between chemical and electromagnetic enhancements. The book further examines the calculation of electromagnetic enhancements, the role of metallic colloids in SERS, and recent developments such as single-molecule SERS, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), and new substrates from nanotechnology. It also discusses optical forces, applications of SERS, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations for Raman spectroscopy. The final chapters provide a detailed overview of Maxwell's equations, the Lorentz model of polarizability, and the dielectric functions of gold and silver. The book concludes with a discussion of the future of SERS and its potential in various fields.