Observation of terahertz absorption signatures in microliter DNA solutions

W. Zhang, E. R. Brown, M. Rahman, M. L. Norton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Strong, repeatable Terahertz (THz) signatures are measured in small samples of DNA solution using a THz photomixing spectrometer with custom conical-horn coupling. The DNA specimen is linear, single-stranded (ss), 13-mer polynucleotide, and is diluted in buffer solution to have a concentration of 0.15 μmol/ml. The strongest signature is centered ∼717 GHz, and has a strength of 2.5 × 1016 cm-1/mol, linewidth 48 GHz, and damping time of 6.6 ps. The origin of the signature is attributed to the hydrogen bond of locally cross-linked ssDNAs.
Original languageEnglish
Article number023701
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume102
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 14 2013

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

Keywords

  • Terahertz absorption

Disciplines

  • Physics

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