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

Opt Express. 2022 May 23;30(11):18079-18089. doi: 10.1364/OE.451633.

Abstract

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) has shown promise in biomedical sample characterization and high characterization sensitivity is in demand due to the thin-film (TF) feature of the sample. This paper proposes an optimized multilayer structure for sensitive characterization of TF aqueous solutions in reflection THz-TDS. Theoretical simulations are conducted for structural optimization and the 75 µm window-sample-mirror structure displays the best sensitivity compared to other sandwich structures and traditional THz measurement geometries. 0-20% TF glucose solutions are then measured; and a spectral peak introduced by the proposed structure is observed to result in the high sensitivity. Our work provides a new way of customizing multilayer structure for THz thin-film characterization.

MeSH terms

  • Glucose
  • Terahertz Spectroscopy* / methods
  • Water

Substances

  • Glucose
  • Water