Highly selective and efficient gas sensor based on a narrow-band IR metamaterial absorber using numerical simulation

This study investigates the application of metamaterials for detecting ozone (O₃) and nitric oxide (NO) using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. It presents a novel design for a terahertz metamaterial (MTM) absorber that can detect variations in the refractive index (RI) of its environment. The structure is defined by a negative effective permeability and positive permittivity, categorizing it as a µ-negative metamaterial. It features a tungsten swastika pattern on a hafnium dioxide (HfO2) spacer, achieving nearly complete absorption of 99.85% at 2.85 terahertz (THz) with a quality factor (Q-factor) of 167.25. FEM simulations indicate significant resonance shifts when exposed to O₃ and NO, underscoring the potential of metamaterial-based sensors for real-time environmental monitoring. These resonance shifts correspond to gas concentrations, indicating the feasibility of quantitative sensing. The findings highlight the benefits of metamaterials in gas detection and lay the groundwork for future experimental validation and the creation of effective sensor devices to improve air quality monitoring and protect public health. Developed a highly sensitive sensor that detects harmful gas like ozone and nitric oxide in real time. Uses engineered materials to spot gases by observing changes in light absorption at specific frequencies. Offers a promising tool for improving air quality monitoring and protecting public health.