Spectroscopic Imaging Technology for THz Biosensor Integrated with a Lab-on-Chip Platform

In this Phase I SBIR project we propose a new imaging mechanism for sub-wavelength THz spectroscopy based on a very strong enhancement of electromagnetic field of the THz radiation at the edges of periodic semiconductor structure. Our recent theoretical study showed THz radiation power enhancement ~1100 with the half power width around the slot edges ~500 nm. Such strongly enhanced local electromagnetic field can potentially be used for the development of novel biophotonic spectroscopic and imaging sensors with increased radiation coupling to biomaterial, leading to a substantial increase in detection sensitivity and spatial resolution and allowing THz spectroscopy and imaging at the micron-submicron scale. The major goal of this phase I of SPIR project will be to confirm experimentally the expected effect of increasing electric field in a nanosize regions and to demonstrate the feasibility of application a proposed imaging mechanism integrated with a “lab-on-a chip” device for subwavelength THz spectroscopic microscope. The other goal of the proposed project is to improve controlled conditions for more uniformed orientation of biological materials. The initial phase I of SPIR project will include preliminary experimental investigations of fluidic-chip processing of biomaterials and/or bio agents. In the phase II of SBIR project, the proposed imaging technology will be further optimized and will be integrated into a pre-existing or a new developed fluidic platform to be used in THz spectroscopy and microscopy.