Design and Analysis of a Terahertz Antenna for Next-Generation Bio-Sensing Applications

This research focuses on the development and simulation of a terahertz (THz) antenna specifically tailored for bio-sensing applications operating at a frequency of 2.8 THz. To enhance antenna performance, the study investigates and compares various substrate materials—FR4, Silicon Dioxide, Silicon, and Germanium (GE Getek ML200/RG200)—each with distinct dielectric properties that impact antenna efficiency. The antenna structure incorporates a double split ring metamaterial with a single cut, optimized for THz operation. Simulation results show that FR4 achieves a return loss of 17.8798 dB and a gain of 6.23 dB, Silicon Dioxide yields 18.4751 dB return loss with a 6.70 dB gain, Silicon provides a notably high gain of 17.62 dB with a return loss of 17.0828 dB, and Germanium demonstrates a return loss of 19.5292 dB coupled with a gain of 7.45 dB. These findings suggest FR4 is effective in reducing signal reflection, Silicon offers substantial signal amplification, Silicon Dioxide strikes a balance ideal for detecting biological molecules, and Germanium presents an optimal trade-off between gain and return loss. The study concludes that selecting the appropriate substrate material is crucial for designing efficient THz antennas intended for precise bio-detection tasks in healthcare diagnostics, pharmaceutical testing, and continuous biological monitoring.