Hybrid nanocavity for molecular sensing

Plasmonic nanocavities have recently emerged as a powerful tool for enhancement of light-matter interaction. However, such nanocavities exhibit harmful and uncontrolled optical heating. In contrast, all-dielectric counterparts possess low Ohmic losses and high temperature stability. Here, we demonstrate that a metal-dielectric (hybrid) nanocavity supports molecular sensing and real-time tracing of molecular events through the monitoring an enhanced Raman scattering. We believe that the concept of the multifunctional hybrid nanocavities holds great potential for diverse photochemical and photophysical applications.