Low-loss polymers for terahertz applications

We have performed high-precision terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements on polymers (cross-linked polystyrene, TPX, Zeonor) from 0.2 to 4.2THz. They show very interesting terahertz and visible transparency. We also investigated the terahertz characteristics of PDMS, a polymer extensively used in microfluidics, which showed absorption compatible with terahertz experiments. The thermoplastic properties of these polymers make them suitable for use as lens, window, waveguide, or support materials in such applications as biological imaging or microfluidics necessitating a constant visual control not provided by conventional silicon- or teflon-based devices. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America