Optimized multilayer structure for sensitive THz characterization of thin-film glucose solutions

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Spectroscopy
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is a promising technique for biomedical sample characterization.
• High sensitivity is crucial for analyzing thin-film (TF) biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and optimize a multilayer structure for sensitive characterization of TF aqueous solutions using reflection THz-TDS.
• To enhance the sensitivity of THz-TDS for thin-film analysis.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical simulations were performed to optimize the multilayer structure.
• A 75 µm window-sample-mirror configuration was identified as optimal.
• Thin-film glucose solutions (0-20%) were measured using the optimized structure.

Main Results:

• The optimized 75 µm window-sample-mirror structure demonstrated superior sensitivity compared to other configurations.
• A distinct spectral peak was observed, correlating with the enhanced sensitivity.
• The proposed structure enables high-sensitivity THz-TDS measurements of TF aqueous solutions.

Conclusions:

• The developed multilayer structure offers a novel approach for customizing THz-TDS systems.
• This method significantly improves sensitivity for thin-film characterization in aqueous solutions.
• The findings have implications for advanced biomedical sample analysis.