Patent ID: 7586601

Claim:
A method for performing a diagnostic assay of an analyte, wherein the method comprises: providing a base that has been structured using laser processing so as to provide at least one patterned surface, wherein the laser processing comprises the selective application of pulsed laser energy to the base, whereby to melt a surface layer of the base which resolidifies, whereby to create the at least one patterned surface; applying a metal to the at least one patterned surface so as to provide at least one metalized patterned surface, wherein the at least one metalized patterned surface has a surface profile configured to provide large electric fields when electromagnetic energy is delivered to the at least one metalized patterned surface; positioning the analyte on the at least one metalized patterned surface; and performing a diagnostic assay of the analyte by delivering electromagnetic energy to the analyte and/or the at least one metalized patterned surface.