Compact Detector Research Articles

High-Density Glass Scintillators for Proton Radiography-Relative Luminosity, Proton Response, and Spatial Resolution.

Proton radiography is a promising development in proton therapy, and researchers are currently exploring optimal detector materials to construct proton radiography detector arrays. High-density glass scintillators may improve integrating-mode proton radiography detectors by increasing spatial resolution and decreasing detector thickness. We evaluated several new scintillators, activated with europium or terbium, with proton response measurements and Monte Carlo simulations, characterizing relative luminosity, ionization quenching, and proton radiograph spatial resolution. We applied a correction based on Birks's analytical model for ionization quenching. The data demonstrate increased relative luminosity with increased activation element concentration, and higher relative luminosity for samples activated with europium. An increased glass density enables more compact detector geometries and higher spatial resolution. These findings suggest that a tungsten and gadolinium oxide-based glass activated with 4% europium is an ideal scintillator for testing in a full-size proton radiography detector.

Monte Carlo simulation study of an in vivo four-dimensional tracking system with a diverging collimator for monitoring radiation source (Ir-192) location during brachytherapy: proof of concept and feasibility.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential of an in vivo four-dimensional (4D) tracking system to accurately localize the radiation source, Iridium-192 (Ir-192) in high-dose rate brachytherapy. Methods: To achieve time-dependent 3D positioning of the Ir-192 source, we devised a 4D tracking system employing multiple compact detectors. During the system's design phase, we conducted comprehensive optimization and analytical evaluations of the diverging collimator employed for detection purposes. Subsequently, we executed 3D reconstruction and positioning procedures based on the 2D images obtained by six detectors, each equipped with an optimized diverging collimator. All simulations for designing and evaluating the 4D tracking system were performed using the open-source GATE (v9.1) Monte Carlo platform based on the GEANT4 (v10.7) toolkit. In addition, to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed 4D tracking system, we conducted simulations and 3D positioning using a solid phantom and patient data. Finally, the error between the reconstructed position coordinates determined by the tracking system and the original coordinates of the Ir-192 radiation source was analyzed. Results: The parameters for the optimized diverging collimator were a septal thickness of 0.3mm and a collimator height of 30mm. A tracking system comprising 6 compact detectors was designed and implemented utilizing this collimator. Analysis of the accuracy of the proposed Ir-192 source tracking system found that the average of the absolute values of the error between the 3D reconstructed and original positions for the simulation with the solid phantom were 0.440mm for the x coordinate, 0.423mm for the y coordinate, and 0.764mm for the z coordinate, and the average Euclidean distance was 1.146mm. Finally, in a simulation based on data from a patient who underwent brachytherapy, the average Euclidean distance between the original and reconstructed source position was 0.586mm. Discussion: These results indicated that the newly designed in vivo 4D tracking system for monitoring the Ir-192 source during brachytherapy could determine the 3D position of the radiation source in real time during treatment. We conclude that the proposed positioning system has the potential to make brachytherapy more accurate and reliable.

A compact detector system for simultaneous measurements of the light yield non-linearity and timing properties of scintillators

This work presents an outline of a detection system that employs the Compton spectrometer method to assess the non-linearity of scintillator light yield. A novel approach is introduced, leading to more accurate measurements through the separate determination of the intrinsic light output parameters and the non-linearity of the scintillators. Key features of this system include the use of a portable scintillation detector with three photomultiplier tubes for precise measurement of the average number of detected photoelectrons and the incorporation of recent advancements in correction techniques for accidental coincidences. The integration of digital acquisition, offline data analysis, and geometric adaptation reduces the time required to perform a measurement. The developed detector can simultaneously measure different timing properties, as well as the relative intensities following ionization excitation in a scintillator. The system’s performance is demonstrated through measurements of the light yield dependence on the deposited energy for commercially available liquid, plastic, and inorganic scintillators. Such instrumentation serves as a valuable tool in the development of novel scintillating materials, including liquid or solid organic scintillators, inorganic scintillators, and composite scintillators for electron detection, in addition to traditional X-ray or γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma$$\\end{document}-ray detection.

A compact scintillator-based detector for high energy neutron spectrometry

A compact neutron spectrometer consisting of a 6 mm × 6 mm × 120 mm prism of EJ-276 plastic scintillator capable of pulse shape discrimination coupled to a single silicon photomultiplier is described. In principle this device will be capable of spectroscopic measurements exceeding 100 MeV using unfolding analyses with detector response functions measured at neutron time-of-flight facilities. A characterisation of the device is described and illustrated with measurements of the detector response made at three fast neutron facilities with energies between 5.0 MeV and 63.5 MeV. Nearly mono-energetic detector response functions were used to produce neutron energy spectra by unfolding light output distributions measured with the detector in the energy range of interest.

A background suppression detector array for fast neutron measurement in space science study

A compact detector array with a symmetrical structure was designed and developed for the measurement of fast neutron flux in space radiation environments by the recoil proton method. It consists of seven solid-state detectors and a hydrogen-containing conversion layer, which can effectively eliminate the background from the charged particles and gamma rays. The performances for fast neutron measurements in the low Earth orbit and on the lunar surface have been simulated by Geant4 software. The signals from recoil protons can be well distinguished in a complex radiation environment. The accuracy of fast neutron flux measurement can be improved with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Utilizing this array, a neutron spectrometer for low Earth orbit applications was constructed and was launched on board the “Weiming-1” CubeSat at the beginning of 2024.

Technical note: development of a simulation framework, enabling the investigation of locally tuned single energy proton radiography

Range uncertainties remain a limitation for the confined dose distribution that proton therapy can offer. The uncertainty stems from the ambiguity when translating CT Hounsfield Units (HU) into proton stopping powers. Proton Radiography (PR) can be used to verify the proton range. Specifically, PR can be used as a quality-control tool for CBCT-based synthetic CTs. An essential part of the work illustrating the potential of PR has been conducted using multi-layer ionization chamber (MLIC) detectors and mono-energetic PR. Due to the dimensions of commercially available MLICs, clinical adoption is cumbersome. Here, we present a simulation framework exploring locally-tuned single energy (LTSE) proton radiography and corresponding potential compact PR detector designs. Based on a planning CT data set, the presented framework models the water equivalent thickness. Subsequently, it analyses the proton energies required to pass through the geometry within a defined ROI. In the final step, an LTSE PR is simulated using the MCsquare Monte Carlo code. In an anatomical head phantom, we illustrate that LTSE PR allows for a significantly shorter longitudinal dimension of MLICs. We compared PR simulations for two exemplary 30 × 30 mm2 proton fields passing the phantom at a 90° angle at an anterior and a posterior location in an iso-centric setup. The longitudinal distance over which all spots per field range out is significantly reduced for LTSE PR compared to mono-energetic PR. In addition, we illustrate the difference in shape of integral depth dose (IDD) when using constrained PR energies. Finally, we demonstrate the accordance of simulated and experimentally acquired IDDs for an LTSE PR acquisition. As the next steps, the framework will be used to investigate the sensitivity of LTSE PR to various sources of errors. Furthermore, we will use the framework to systematically explore the dimensions of an optimized MLIC design for daily clinical use.

Axially Chiral Organic Semiconductors for Visible-Blind UV-Selective Circularly Polarized Light Detection.

Technologies that detect circularly polarized light (CPL), particularly in the UV region, have significant potential for various applications, including bioimaging and optical communication. However, a major challenge in directly sensing CPL arises from the conflicting requirements of planar structures for efficient charge transport and distorted structures for effective interaction with CPL. Here, a novel design of an axially chiral n-type organic semiconductor is presented to surmount the challenge, in which a binaphthyl group results in a high dissymmetry factor at the molecular level, while maintaining excellent electron-transporting characteristics through the naphthalene diimide group. Experimental and computational methods reveal different stacking behaviors in homochiral and heterochiral assemblies, yielding different structures: Nanowires and nanoparticles, respectively. Especially, the homochiral assemblies exhibit effective π-π stacking between naphthalene diimides despite axial chirality. Thus, phototransistors fabricated using enantiomers exhibit a high maximum electron mobility of 0.22 cm2 V-1 s-1 and a detectivity of 3.9 ×1012 Jones, alongside the CPL distinguishing ability with a dissymmetry factor of responsivity of 0.05. Furthermore, the material possesses a wide bandgap, contributing to its excellent visible-blind UV-selective detection. These findings highlight the new strategy for compact CPL detectors, coupled with the demonstration of less-explored n-type and UV region phototransistors.

A multi-scenario Lagrangian trajectory analysis to identify source regions of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer on the Indian subcontinent in August 2016

Abstract. The Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL) is present during the Asian summer monsoon season affecting the radiative balance of the atmosphere. However, the source regions and transport pathways of ATAL particles are still uncertain. Here, we investigate transport pathways from different regions at the model boundary layer (MBL) to the ATAL by combining two Lagrangian transport models (CLaMS, Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere; MPTRAC, Massive-Parallel Trajectory Calculations) with balloon-borne measurements of the ATAL performed by the Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol Detector (COBALD) above Nainital (India) in August 2016. Trajectories are initialised at the measured location of the ATAL and calculated 90 d backwards in time to investigate the relation between the measured, daily averaged, aerosol backscatter ratio and source regions at the MBL. Different simulation scenarios are performed to find differences and robust patterns when the reanalysis data (ERA5 or ERA-Interim), the trajectory model, the vertical coordinate (kinematic and diabatic approach) or the convective parameterisation are varied. The robust finding among all scenarios is that the largest continental air mass contributions originate from the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent (mostly the Indo-Gangetic Plain), and the largest maritime air mass contributions in Asia come from the western Pacific (e.g. related to tropical cyclones). Additionally, all simulation scenarios indicate that the transport of maritime air from the tropical western Pacific to the region of the ATAL lowers the backscatter ratio (BSR) of the ATAL, while most scenarios indicate that the transport of polluted air from the Indo-Gangetic Plain increases the BSR. While the results corroborate key findings from previous ERA-Interim-based studies, they also highlight the variability in the contributions of different MBL regions to the ATAL depending on different simulation scenarios.

A compact scintillator-based detector with collimator and shielding for dose monitoring in boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy exploits 10B(n,α)7Li reactions for targeted tumor destruction. In this work, we aimed at developing a dose monitoring system based on the detection of 478keV gamma rays emitted by the reactions, which is very challenging due to the severe background present. We investigated a compact gamma-ray detector with a pinhole collimator and shielding housing. Experimental nuclear reactor measurements involved varying boron concentrations and artificial shifts of the sources. The system successfully resolved the 478keV photopeak and detected 1cm lateral displacements, confirming its suitability for precise boron dose monitoring.

Development of a compact scintillator-based gamma-ray neutron detector for terrestrial and space applications

We present the development of a gamma ray and neutron detector for possible use in terrestrial and planetary science. The detector is based on a monolithic scintillator coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) read out by compact integrated electronics, and it shall allow one to detect gamma-rays and neutrons with energies from 0.025 eV to 1 MeV with energy resolution of < 4% full-width half-maximum (FWHM) at 662 keV (Cs-137). Among the various scintillators studied, we measured the energy resolution of 4.87% FWHM at 662 keV with a monolithic and cylindrical CLLBC and confirmed acceptable sensitivity to thermal neutrons at 3.1 MeV. The results are promising towards our goal to measure the abundance of hydrogen bearing compounds and rock-forming elements for planetary geology research.

16-channel snapshot multispectral imaging based on integrated Fabry Perot microcavity array

&lt;sec&gt;By designing and fabricating a narrow-band Fabry-Perot multi-beam interference spectroscopic microcavity array, and integrating it with a visible light detector focal plane array, we demonstrate a small compact multispectral imaging detector. The micro-cavity filter array with 4×4 basic repeating units and a total of 2048×2048 pixels is obtained on a quartz substrate by the four-fractal combination lithograph-etching process. Then the micro miniatured multispectral imaging detector is formed by fitting with the detector chip. The depth and precision of the etching will determine the distribution and offset of the central wavelength of the narrowband spectral channel respectively. The results show that the etching rate of reactive ion is (3.6 ± 0.2) Å/s, and the process is stable and controllable. Due to the different etching depths, the basic repeating unit forms 16 different levels of steps, and the process achieves the design expectation well.&lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt;The results are obtained as follows: the response spectrum peak of the microcavity array sample varies from 520 to 680 nm, the free spectrum range is 160 nm, the full width at the half-peak is less than 10 nm, the transmittance is about 70%, the relative half-width of the transmittance peak at 590 nm is 1.19%, and the waveform coefficient is 2.78. A 16-channel multispectral camera is constructed by using the optical micro-precision assembly device to realize the precise alignment and the fitting of the micro-cavity filter array and the image sensor. Xenon lamp and monochromator are used as tunable wavelength monochromatic cooperative light source to detect the effect of 16-channel snapshot multispectral imaging on a pixel scale. The results show that the multispectral imaging detector has 16 different narrow-band response spectra. The characteristic spectrum of the target can be clearly distinguished by spectral channel.&lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt;When imaging the target with known spectral characteristics, for a certain frame of multi-spectral image, selecting a suitable spectral channel can eliminate the background in the field of view through image subtraction and improve the contrast of the target. In the dark room condition, we take the LED light source with center wavelength varying in a range between 528 and 589 nm as the target (the wavelength coincides with the working wavelength of the spectral channel), and effectively suppress the background through the spectral differential intensity subtraction, which can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the target capture. The 16-channel snapshot multi-spectral imaging detector based on integrated Fabry-Perot microcavity array has the advantages of small size, high integration and strong environmental adaptability, and is expected to play a role in realizing the real-time detection of weak moving targets, auxiliary diagnosis of skin surface observation, and high dynamic range imaging of target observation under backlight conditions.&lt;/sec&gt;

(Digital Presentation) Chemical Workflow of Characterizing Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes: From SEM-Eds PCA and FIB Tof-SIMS Analysis to XPS

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have revolutionized energy storage technology, with cathode materials playing a pivotal role in their performance. Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cathodes are essential components, where the nickel (Ni) content profoundly influences battery capacity and cycle time. Traditional methods, such as SEM-EDS element mapping, have limitations in resolving distinct NMC phases. To address this, we employ Principal Component Analysis (PCA) phase mapping, unveiling intricate NMC phase distinctions.Furthermore, we investigate into the crucial aspect of lithium-ion distribution within the cathode using Focused Ion Beam Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (FIB ToF-SIMS). This technique, when integrated a compact SIMS detector with a DualBeam microscope, provides invaluable insights into lithiation and delithiation processes regarding to battery cycling. Our finding on an electrode revealing that discharged cathodes exhibit 7Li+ signal 3.5 times higher than charged cathodes. The SIMS lithium mapping results illustrated the trapped lithium ions in charged cathodes, as well as the uniform return of lithium ions to cathode oxide material upon discharge. Additionally, our results highlight the preservation of oxygen levels in cathode chemistry during charging and discharging, except for its involvement in lithium intercalation. We also address the challenges associated with windowless EDS detectors for lithium detection based on published literatures.Expanding our investigations, we present novel results of FIB-SIMS at cryogenic conditions, unveiling the distribution of lithium and sodium in an anode electrode. Moreover, we illuminate disparities in lithium detection between room temperature and cryogenic temperature acquisitions, providing insights into the behaviour of slow-charged graphite anodes.In this abstract, we extend our presentation to include X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for the detection of organic and inorganic matter in battery electrodes.In summary, our work combines SEM-EDS PCA and FIB ToF-SIMS and XPS techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of lithium-ion battery cathode, anode materials, contributing to advancements in energy storage technology. Keywords: Lithium-ion battery, EDS PCA phase mapping, FIB-ToF-SIMS, XPS, SEM-FIBReference[1] Ali Eftekhari, Energy Storage Materials, Volume 7, April 2017, Pages 157-180.[2] Chengge Jiao, Lex Pillatsch, Johannes Mulders, David Wall, August 2019, Microscopy and Microanalysis 25(S2):876-877.[3] Mingwei Shang, Xi Chen, Junjie Niu, Cell Reports Physical Science 3, 100767, February 16, 2022 Figure 1

Perovskite single-pixel detector for dual-color metasurface imaging recognition in complex environment

Highly efficient multi-dimensional data storage and extraction are two primary ends for the design and fabrication of emerging optical materials. Although metasurfaces show great potential in information storage due to their modulation for different degrees of freedom of light, a compact and efficient detector for relevant multi-dimensional data retrieval is still a challenge, especially in complex environments. Here, we demonstrate a multi-dimensional image storage and retrieval process by using a dual-color metasurface and a double-layer integrated perovskite single-pixel detector (DIP-SPD). Benefitting from the photoelectric response characteristics of the FAPbBr2.4I0.6 and FAPbI3 films and their stacked structure, our filter-free DIP-SPD can accurately reconstruct different colorful images stored in a metasurface within a single-round measurement, even in complex environments with scattering media or strong background noise. Our work not only provides a compact, filter-free, and noise-robust detector for colorful image extraction in a metasurface, but also paves the way for color imaging application of perovskite-like bandgap tunable materials.

Improving the Time Resolution of Large-Area LaBr3:Ce Detectors with SiPM Array Readout

LaBr3:Ce crystals have good scintillation properties for X-ray spectroscopy. Initially, they were introduced for radiation imaging in medical physics with either a photomultiplier or SiPM readout, and they found extensive applications in homeland security and gamma-ray astronomy. We used 1″ round LaBr3:Ce crystals to realize compact detectors with the SiPM array readout. The aim was a good energy resolution and a fast time response to detect low-energy X-rays around 100 keV. A natural application was found inside the FAMU experiment, at RIKEN RAL. Its aim is a precise measurement of the proton Zemach radius with impinging muons, to contribute to the solution to the so-called “proton radius puzzle”. Signals to be detected are characteristic X-rays around 130 KeV. A limit for this type of detector, as compared to the ones with a photomultiplier readout, is its poorer timing characteristics due to the large capacity of the SiPM arrays used. In particular, long signal falltimes are a problem in experiments such as FAMU, where a “prompt” background component must be separated from a “delayed” one (after 600 ns) in the signal X-rays to be detected. Dedicated studies were pursued to improve the timing characteristics of the used detectors, starting from hybrid ganging of SiPM cells; then developing a suitable zero pole circuit with a parallel ganging, where an increased overvoltage for the SiPM array was used to compensate for the signal decrease; and finally designing ad hoc electronics to split the 1″ detector’s SiPM array into four quadrants, thus reducing the involved capacitances. The aim was to improve the detectors’ timing characteristics, especially falltime, while keeping a good FWHM energy resolution for low-energy X-ray detection.

A Compact Photoacoustic Detector for Trace Acetylene Based on 3-D-Printed Differential Helmholtz Resonators

A Compact Photoacoustic Detector for Trace Acetylene Based on 3-D-Printed Differential Helmholtz Resonators

A Compact Particle Detector for Space-Based Applications: Development of a Low-Energy Module (LEM) for the NUSES Space Mission

NUSES is a planned space mission aiming to test new observational and technological approaches related to the study of relatively low-energy cosmic rays, gamma rays, and high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. Two scientific payloads will be hosted onboard the NUSES space mission: Terzina and Zirè. Terzina will be an optical telescope readout by SiPM arrays, for the detection and study of Cerenkov light emitted by Extensive Air Showers generated by high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos in the atmosphere. Zirè will focus on the detection of protons and electrons up to a few hundred MeV and to 0.1–10 MeV photons and will include the Low Energy Module (LEM). The LEM will be a particle spectrometer devoted to the observation of fluxes of relatively low-energy electrons in the 0.1–7-MeV range and protons in the 3–50 MeV range along the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) followed by the hosting platform. The detection of Particle Bursts (PBs) in this Physics channel of interest could give new insight into the understanding of complex phenomena such as eventual correlations between seismic events or volcanic activity with the collective motion of particles in the plasma populating van Allen belts. With its compact sizes and limited acceptance, the LEM will allow the exploration of hostile environments such as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) and the inner Van Allen Belt, in which the anticipated electron fluxes are on the order of 106 to 107 electrons per square centimeter per steradian per second. Concerning the vast literature of space-based particle spectrometers, the innovative aspect of the LEM resides in its compactness, within 10 × 10 × 10 cm3, and in its “active collimation” approach dealing with the problem of multiple scattering at these very relatively low energies. In this work, the geometry of the detector, its detection concept, its operation modes, and the hardware adopted will be presented. Some preliminary results from the Monte Carlo simulation (Geant4) will be shown.

Compact on-chip THz circular polarization detectors with high discrimination based on chiral plasmonic antennas

THz circular polarization detection is an important technology in many applications of THz waves. With the ongoing miniaturization of optoelectronic systems, there is an increasing demand for compact on-chip THz circular polarization detectors. Here, we propose what we belive to be a novel device of this kind based on the composite structure of quantum well (QW) infrared detection material sandwiched by a chiral plasmonic antenna array and a metal plane. Due to the circular polarization dependent light coupling discrimination provided by the cavity enhanced chiral antenna and the second polarization selection of the QWs, a circular polarization extinction ratio as high as 25 is achieved, surpassing all reported on-chip THz circular polarization detectors. Due to the field enhancement at the QWs, the absorption for the principle circular polarization is 15 times higher than a standard reference. The absorption peak can be tuned over the range from 6.41 to 6.56 THz, while considerable absorption enhancement and high circular polarization discrimination are preserved even under non-normal incidence. Our proposed device's structure is compatible with the QWIP focal plane array and has far-reaching application prospects opens a new avenue to the development of high-performance compact on-chip THz circular polarization detectors.

Development of the scintillating fiber timing detector for the Mu3e experiment

We present the development and discuss the performance of a compact scintillating fiber detector for the Mu3e experiment for accurate time measurements at very high particle rates. Mu3e is a new experiment under preparation at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) to search for charged Lepton Flavor Violation in the neutrinoless muon decay μ+→e+e−e+ with a projected sensitivity of 10−16 using the most intense continuous surface muon beam in the world. A very thin scintillating fiber detector (thickness <0.2% of a radiation length X0) with a time resolution of about 250 ps, efficiency around 97%, and spatial resolution of ∼100μm has been developed. The SciFi detector is read out with multi-channel silicon photomultiplier arrays at both ends to achieve the best timing performance. Different scintillating fiber types have been evaluated and various assembly procedures have been tested to achieve the best performance.

Dosimetry for boron neutron capture therapy developed and verified at the accelerator based neutron source VITA

The method of boron neutron capture therapy for malignant tumors, proposed in 1936, is beginning to enter clinical practice. The development of dosimetry tools for characterization of therapeutic mixed neutron-photon beam and assessing the patient’s response to treatment is becoming relevant. In this work, a number of dosimetric techniques have been developed: a compact neutron detector with a pair of cast scintillators, one of which is enriched with boron, to measure the boron dose and the γ-ray dose; cell dosimeter for measuring the sum of the equivalent dose of fast neutrons and the equivalent nitrogen dose; prompt γ-ray spectroscopy for in situ measurement of boron dose in real time; epithermal neutron flux monitor for measuring the epithermal neutron flux. Their verification carried out on the accelerator based neutron source VITA showed that they can become convenient and reliable tools for characterization of neutron beam and assessing the patient’s response to treatment.

Sensitive and Compact Evanescent-Waveguide Optical Detector for Sugar Sensing in Commercial Beverages.

This work presents a compact and sensitive refractive index sensor able to evaluate the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Its working principle leverages on the changes in the optical absorption features introduced by the sample itself on the evanescent waves of a light beam. The device's high compactness is achieved by embedding the sample-light interaction site and the detector in a 1 cm2 glass substrate, thanks to microelectronics technologies. High sensitivity is obtained by employing a low-noise p-i-n hydrogenated amorphous silicon junction, whose manufacture process requires only four UV lithographic steps on a glass substrate, thus ensuring low production costs. The system's capabilities are investigated by sensing the sugar content in three commercial beverages. Sensitivities of 32, 53 and 80 pA/% and limits of detection of 47, 29 and 18 ppm are achieved. The above performance is comparable with state-of-the-art results available in the literature, where more complex optical setups, expensive instrumentation and bulky devices are used.