RESUMEN
In this paper, a very high sensitivity microwave-based planar microfluidic sensor is presented. Sensitivity enhancement is achieved and described theoretically and experimentally by eliminating any extra parasitic capacitance not contributing to the sensing mechanism. The sensor consists of a microstrip transmission line loaded with a series connected shunt LC resonator. A microfluidic channel is attached to the area of the highest electric field concentration. The electric field distribution and, therefore, the resonance characteristics are modified by applying microfluidic dielectric samples to the sensing area. The sensor performance and working principle are described through a circuit model analysis. A device prototype is fabricated, and experimental measurements using water/ethanol and water/methanol solutions are presented for validation of the sensing mathematical model.
Asunto(s)
Microfluídica , Microondas , Capacidad Eléctrica , Electricidad , AguaRESUMEN
A differential microwave permittivity sensor and comparator is designed using a microstrip transmission line loaded with a magnetic-LC resonator. The microstrip transmission line is aligned with the electric wall of the resonator. The sensor shows a single transmission zero, when it is unloaded or loaded symmetrically on both halves. A second notch appears in the transmission response by asymmetrical dielectric loading on the two halves of the device. The frequency splitting is used to characterize the dielectric properties of the samples under test. The sensitivity of the sensor is enhanced by removing the mutual coupling between the two halves of the magnetic-LC resonator using a metallic wall. The sensors' operation principle is explained through a circuit model analysis. A prototype of the designed sensor is fabricated and measurements are used for validation of the sensing concept. The sensor can be used for determination of the dielectric properties in solid materials or detecting defects and impurities in solid materials through a comparative measurement with a reference sample.
RESUMEN
THz-TDS techniques are applied to investigate selected pharmaceutical samples. Investigations were performed on selected pharmaceutical samples with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API)--famotidine, ranitidine, fenofibrate, lovastatin, simvastatin, aspirin, ketoconazole, acyclovir (hydrated and non-hydrated), on excipients--lactose, glucose (hydrated and non-hydrated), Pluronic 127, and on mixtures of selected compounds. Pseudo-polymorphism effects are considered as well. Examples of the terahertz imaging technique are also given. APIs and excipients can be easily recognized in the terahertz band by their specific "fingerprints" as individual components and in mixtures. The hydration process as a variety of polymorphism can also be easily monitored using the THz technique. Moreover, terahertz light can be useful for the penetration of tablets, giving clear pictures of possible defects in tablet coatings.