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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Terahertz Microfluidic Sensing Using a Parallel-plate Waveguide Sensor
Published on: August 30, 2012
A Terahertz-Transparent Electrochemical Cell for In Situ Terahertz Spectroelectrochemistry
Coleen T Nemes1, John R Swierk1, Charles A Schmuttenmaer1
1Department of Chemistry and Energy Sciences Institute , Yale University , 225 Prospect Street , P.O. Box 208107, New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , United States.
Abstract:
Terahertz spectroscopy is broadly applicable for the study of a wide variety of materials, but spectroelectrochemistry has not been performed in the THz range because of the lack of a THz-transparent electrochemical cell. While THz-transparent electrodes do exist, they have never been utilized in a complete three-electrode cell, which is the configuration required for accurate potential control in aqueous media. We have designed and constructed a THz-transparent three-electrode electrochemical cell and have performed THz spectroelectrochemistry of a SnO2 thin film. The cell utilizes a custom-made reference electrode and tubing which allows the composition of electrolyte to be changed during an experiment. THz spectroelectrochemical measurements show a decrease in THz transmission at potentials where SnO2 conduction band states are potentiostatically filled. We also describe a simple method for measuring the uncompensated resistance and RC time constant.
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