Chip-Based Resonance Raman Spectroscopy Using Tantalum Pentoxide Waveguides

Blood analysis is an important diagnostic tool, as it provides a wealth of information about the patient's health. Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool for blood analysis, but widespread clinical application is limited by its low signal strength, as well as complex and costly instrumentation. The growing field of waveguide-based Raman spectroscopy tries to solve these challenges by working toward fully integrated Raman sensors with increased interaction areas. In this letter, we demonstrate resonance Raman measurements of hemoglobin, a crucial component of blood, at 532-nm excitation using a tantalum pentoxide (Ta
₂
O
₅
) waveguide platform. We have also characterized the background signal from Ta
₂
O
₅
waveguide material when excited at 532 nm. In addition, we demonstrate spontaneous Raman measurements of isopropanol and methanol using the same platform. Our results suggest that Ta
₂
O
₅
is a promising waveguide platform for resonance Raman spectroscopy at 532 nm and, in particular, for blood analysis.