Devices and methods for verifying measurement of analytes by raman spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance

Embodiments of devices and methods are provided that permit validation of analyte detection using both surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In specific embodiments, a substrate having a surface suitable for SPR is provided, along with a source of electromagnetic radiation to interact with the surface and thereby elicit surface plasmon resonance characteristic of the analyte under study. In some embodiments, surface enhancing structures are also provided on the substrate, and analytes under study are associated with enhancing structures. Another source of electromagnetic radiation is directed at the analyte on the enhancing structures to produce surface enhanced Raman scattering. In certain embodiments, data obtained by these two methods are compared, thereby providing an internally consistent and self-validating method for analyte detection.