Sensing the hygroscopicity of polymer and copolymer materials using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Abstract

We present the hygroscopicity of polymer and copolymer materials in the low terahertz (THz) frequency range using a linear absorption model. We identify COC 6013 and COC 5013 as optimal THz window materials, possessing both low hygroscopicity and high transmission in the THz regime. The correct choice of window material is of significance for transmission THz spectroscopy and of particular interest for THz liquid spectroscopy. © 2009 Optical Society of America.