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Analytical performance of μ-groove silicon attenuated total reflection waveguides
Julian Haas1, Anja Müller2, Lorenz Sykora2
1Insitute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany. boris.mizaikoff@uni-ulm.de.
Micromachined silicon ATR elements offer a cost-effective solution for infrared spectroscopy. Their analytical performance was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared and quantum cascade laser spectroscopy for potential medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Micromachined silicon attenuated total reflection (ATR) elements are cost-effective waveguides.
- These elements are suitable for single-use applications, including medical diagnostics.
- Evaluating their analytical performance is crucial for practical implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the analytical performance of micromachined μ-groove silicon ATR elements.
- To compare Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy for MIR analysis.
- To determine sensitivity, noise levels, and limits of detection for broadband vs. narrowband spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of wafer-scale μ-groove silicon ATR elements.
- Evaluation using FTIR and QCL spectroscopy in the mid-infrared (MIR) range.
- Analysis of exemplary analytes (acetate, carbonate) to determine performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated reliable analytical performance of the μ-groove silicon ATR elements.
- Quantified sensitivity, noise levels, and limits of detection for both FTIR and QCL spectroscopy.
- Provided a comparison of broadband vs. narrowband infrared spectroscopy using these elements.
Conclusions:
- Micromachined μ-groove silicon ATR elements are effective for MIR spectroscopy.
- These cost-effective elements show promise for single-use analytical applications.
- The study provides valuable data for optimizing spectroscopic methods using these novel ATR elements.
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