Double-Strip Array-Based Metasurfaces with BICs for Terahertz Thin Membrane Detection

A double-strip array-based metasurface that supports the sharp quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) is demonstrated in terahertz regions. By tuning the structural parameters of metal strips, the conversion of BICs and quasi-BICs is controllable. The simulated results exhibit an achieved maximum Q-factor for quasi-BICs that exceeds 500, corresponding to a bandwidth that is less than 1 GHz. The optical response of quasi-BICs is mainly affected by the properties of substrates. Resonant frequencies decrease linearly with increasing refractive index. The bandwidth of quasi-BICs decreases to 0.9 GHz when n is 2.2. The sharp quasi-BICs are also sensitive to changes in material absorption. Low-loss materials show higher Q-factors. Thus, the selection of a suitable substrate material will be beneficial in achieving resonance with a high Q value. The sensitivity of DSAs for molecules is assessed using a thin membrane layer. The DSAs show high sensitivity, which achieves a frequency shift of 70 GHz when the thickness of the membrane is 10 μm, corresponding to a sensitivity of 87.5 GHz/RIU. This metasurface with sharp quasi-BICs is expected to perform well in THz sensing.