A Novel Approach of Aqueous Solution Analysis Using a Fully-Integrated Terahertz Near-Field Sensor

摘要

We present a novel approach for measuring aqueous solutions of biologically relevant components using a fully-integrated 0.53 THz near-field sensor implemented in 0.13 μm SiGe HBT technology. A successfully applied on-chip chopping technique resulting in a highly-improved signal-to-noise-ratio of up to 115 dB makes it possible to characterize the concentration level of lactose solved in de-ionized water. The proposed sensing method combines low-cost and compact implementation with high-sensitivity and μm-range resolution. It may thus allow imaging of various biological samples and enable super-resolution imaging in life-science applications in the future.