LTCC system for light absorbance measurement

The paper describes technology of the LTCC structure which enables light absorbance measurements of liquid sample. The manufactured ceramic structure contains buried microfluidic channels. The structure consists of two co-fired glass windows which separate the light source and detector from the test solution. A construction of an electronic measurement system is described as well. The signal from three LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) – red, green and blue – can be used in the absorbance measurements. The light intensity is measured by the TCS3414CS (TAOS) color detector. Optical properties of the fabricated microfluidic LTCC system is investigated with several concentrations of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in water solution. The system can be applied in microbiology for constant monitoring of bacteria growth.