Silicon based microfluidic device for THz frequencies

In this paper we report on the design, fabrication and testing of a silicon based, microfluidic device, for transmission THz-TDS. Testing of the device and the associated data extraction algorithms is accomplished by the analysis of primary alcohol/water mixtures, where quantities of 2 μmol can be distinguished between samples. The analysis of commercial whiskeys shows clear absorption differences between brands, owing to the individual composition of the blends. Testing of biotin solutions has displayed sensitivity of the order of 3 nmol.