Sensitive terahertz plasmonic metasurface biosensor integrated with microfluidics

Abstract

In recent years, substantial research has driven the development of low-cost biosensors in the terahertz (THz) range. This study introduces an advanced biosensor structure that integrates a monolayer graphene strip and a gold bar within a microfluidic channel, specifically optimized to reduce environmental impact and enhance sensitivity in biological detection. The unique design incorporates a tunable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) mechanism, enabling precise control of the coupling between dark and bright modes (graphene and gold) to achieve high sensitivity. To analyze this structure comprehensively, Maxwell's equations were solved using the finite element method (FEM) to extract S-parameters, while the Lorentz oscillator model was employed to verify the damping rates and coupling coefficient of the PIT effect. Furthermore, the sensor's sensitivity can be finely adjusted by modifying its geometric parameters during fabrication and by applying an electric field. By correlating PIT resonance shifts with analyte variations within the channel, this biosensor demonstrates a sensitivity of approximately 700 GHz per RIU, highlighting its significant potential in THz biosensing applications.