title: Fiber probe based microfluidic raman spectroscopy.
abstract: We report a novel fiber probe based Raman detection system on a microfluidic platform where a split Raman probe is directly embedded into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip. In contrast to previous Raman detection schemes in microfluidics, probe based detection offers reduced background and portability. Compared to conventional backscattering probe designs, the split fiber probe we used in this system, results in a reduced size and offers flexibility to modify the collection geometry to minimize the background generated by the fibers. Also our microfluidic chip design enables us to obtain an alignment free system. As a proof of concept we demonstrate the sensitivity of the device for urea detection at relevant human physiological levels with a low acquisition time. The development of this system on a microfluidic platform means portable, lab on a chip devices for biological analyte detection and environmental sensing using Raman spectroscopy are now within reach.
authors.affiliation: SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, Fife, KY16 9SS, UK.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Ashok
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dholakia
mesh_terms: D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis; D057230:Limit of Detection; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D055100:Optical Fibers; D012212:Rheology; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014508:Urea / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D014508:Urea