Critical spectroscopic considerations towards reliable detection of material using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopic (TDS) and imaging techniques have been recognized as important tools in recent times for non-contact and non-destructive evaluation of materials, such as, food, pharmaceuticals, and other composite materials of interest. The application of the THz-TDS technique in both material identification and quantification, however, involves the analyses of extremely complex response of the constituents of these composite materials. For a spectroscopist, therefore, it is essential to consider certain critical spectroscopic parameters while acquiring the spectroscopic data using THz-TDS. In this work, using sorbic acid, a widely used preservative in processed food as the typical sample for the spectroscopic measurements, we have systematically investigated the impact of all these critical factors on the spectroscopic identification, quantification, and repeatability of the same. We observed that any sample inhomogeneity or clusters formed inside the composite pellet of the sorbic acid mixed with Teflon during pellet preparation can lead to false spectral responses, depending on the choice of spectroscopic probing point on the sample and number of spectroscopic averages. Furthermore, we analyzed the THz-TDS acquisition in frequency-domain and noted the effect of pellet thickness and sample concentration on the resultant frequency bandwidth and absorption features. Besides THz spectroscopists, a clear understanding of these aspects addressed in this present work, will also assist material engineers in selecting optimum concentration and weight towards formulating advanced composites.