A novel terahertz integrated sensor for liquid samples detections based on metamaterial and embedded microfluidic channels

Abstract

THz metamaterial microfluidic sensors, which can be utilized for the detection of small volume liquid specimen, have attracted much attention in biosensing applications. In this paper, we propose a novel microfluidic channel embedded terahertz metamaterial sensor, which employs split ring resonators (SRRs) and asymmetric two-gap SRRs for the detection of liquid samples. Unlike currently reported THz metamaterial microfluidic sensors utilizing microfluidic superstrate-metal-substrate structure, our approach combines the microfluidic superstrate with substrate, by designing micro-channels underneath the gap of the SRRs within the PDMS substrate. It could be easily fabricated by standard photolithography techniques. The simulated results show that the performance of the sensor is dependent on the spacing angle between two gaps, the orientation of the gaps, as well as the polarization of electric fields. Furthermore, maximum Q factors of 9.5 and 44 are achieved for dipole resonance, with corresponding FOM of 0.63 and 2.89 RIU-1 for transmission and reflection scenarios. Thus, this concept and method not only provides sensitive biosensing for liquid-based samples, but also can be applied to other metamaterial structures to further improve the sensitivity.

Composite Functional Metasurface with Microwave Absorption and Vibrational Energy Harvesting

“…[3,4] Electromagnetic devices based on metasurfaces, such as frequency selectors, absorbers, microstrip antennas, sensors, and phase modulators, have been realized successively. [5][6][7][8][9] These various types of metasurface electromagnetic devices utilize microstructure design to control and modulate electromagnetic waves. [10,11] Among them, metasurface absorbers have garnered significant attention due to their wide range of DOI: 10.1002/admt.202301704 applications in electromagnetic stealth technology, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio wave measurement.…”