A Refractive Index-Based Dual-Band Metamaterial Sensor Design and Analysis for Biomedical Sensing Applications

We propose herein a metamaterial (MM) dual-band THz sensor for various biomedical sensing applications. An MM is a material engineered to have a particular property that is rarely observed in naturally occurring materials with an aperiodic subwavelength arrangement. MM properties across a wide range of frequencies, like high sensitivity and quality factors, remain challenging to obtain. MM-based sensors are useful for the in vitro, non-destructive testing (NDT) of samples. The challenge lies in designing a narrow band resonator such that higher sensitivities can be achieved, which in turn allow for the sensing of ultra-low quantities. We propose a compact structure, consisting of a basic single-square split ring resonator (SRR) with an integrated inverted Z-shaped unit cell. The projected structure provides dual-band frequencies resonating at 0.75 THz and 1.01 THz with unity absorption at resonant peaks. The proposed structure exhibits a narrow bandwidth of 0.022 THz and 0.036 THz at resonances. The resonant frequency exhibits a shift in response to variations in the refractive index of the surrounding medium. This enables the detection of various biomolecules, including cancer cells, glucose, HIV-1, and M13 viruses. The refractive index varies between 1.35 and 1.40. Furthermore, the sensor is characterized by its performance, with an average sensitivity of 2.075 THz and a quality factor of 24.35, making it suitable for various biomedical sensing applications.