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CTuCC7.pdf

Frequency Selective Surfaces for

High-Sensitivity Terahertz Sensors
Christian Debus and Peter Haring Bolivar
Institute of High Frequency and Quantum Electronics, Siegen University,
Hölderlinstr.3, 57076 Siegen, Germany,
Email: christian.debus@uni-siegen.de

Abstract: We present a frequency selective surface (FSS) of asymmetric split-ring resonators for
terahertz (THz) sensor applications. Multiple resonances of the rings combine to sharp edges in
the FSS’s frequency response to achieve high sensitivity.
©2007 Optical Society of America
OCIS codes: (260.3090) far Infrared; (120.5700) Reflection; (999.9999) Biosensing

In the radio and microwave technology frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are widely used as filters for freely
propagating waves [1]. A FSS is a two-dimensional periodic array of identical resonating metallo-dielectric
structures. Depending on the shape of the resonators and on the direction of the incident wave, some frequencies
will be transmitted through the surface while others will be reflected. With an appropriate design, high-Q bandpass
or bandstop filters can be realized even for terahertz (THz) frequencies [2]. However, until now FSS have barely
been used for other submillimeter applications.
In this paper we propose the use of FSS as a flexible technology for the development of high sensitivity sensor
concepts. The “open” geometry of FSSs enables the simple integration of such sensing surfaces into various THz
sensing systems. For those applications, the sharp edge in the frequency response of such filters is suitable for high
sensitivity THz sensing. By loading the individual resonators of the FSS with the analyte material, the resonant
frequency shifts in proportion to the dielectric properties of the analyte. By using a sharp, steep frequency edge at
the operation point this frequency shift is associated with a large change of the transmission or reflection of the
signal. This enables detecting small amounts of material or small variations in the dielectric constant of a material.
Many applications for such sensors can be foreseen, e.g. for biomolecular sensing, chemical sensing or security
applications [3-5]. Higher sensitivity is attained with spectrally sharper properties.
Here we present a FSS made of split-ring resonators. In a typical single-split structure only a single resonant
frequency with a moderate Q-factor is observed. Symmetric double split-rings being rings with two splits at opposite
positions still have only one resonance with a similar Q-factor slightly higher than 10, as shown in Fig. 1 at 1.04 and
1.07 THz. At these frequencies the half circumference is about half a wavelength so that the behavior corresponds to
that of classical dipole antennas. The edges of this moderate Q bandstop filter are not sufficient to achieve high
sensitivity when utilized as a sensor. Harmonics can also be excited, but these show an even worse performance. To
gain a more dynamic frequency response the structure must have multiple resonances and exploit interference
effects between them.
0

-6
Reflection (dB) .

-12

-18

-24

-30

-36
0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2
Frequency (THz)

Fig. 1. Numerically simulated absolute value of the reflection coefficient of split-ring FSSs. Dashed curve: single split-ring;
Dotted curve: symmetric double split-ring; Solid curve: asymmetric double split-ring.

©OSA 1-55752-834-9
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We propose an asymmetric double split-ring resonator (a-DSRR). By breaking the symmetry, different parts of
the structure become resonant at different frequencies. An a-DSRR, e.g. with splits shifted by 4° from the x-axis as
depicted in Fig. 2, does still show the broad resonance at 1.08 THz. But in addition it reveals a dual-resonance
interference feature with a sharp local maximum and a zero close to 0.9 THz. Numerical simulation using HFSS
shows a steep edge of 34 dB over 12 GHz in the frequency response of this FSS for a perfect metal configuration.
Realistic losses reduce the steepness of the spectral response by a factor of approximatedly 2, only. Therefore
a-DSSR structures enable attractive sensing surfaces. One should note that alternative designs, which have been
investigated in the past (e.g. [6], [7]), show concentric combinations of split-rings of different sizes. Such concepts
show much broader spectral features, caused by a higher coupling between the concentric resonators and by higher
losses resulting from a higher coverage of the surface with metal.

Fig. 2. Drawing of one asymmetric double split-ring in a FSS cell. Fig. 3. Magnitude of the simulated E-field of the FSS, excited with a
plane wave of 1 V/m. Picture shows one cell of the periodic array.

Regarding biosensing applications, one advantage of the double split-ring approach is the appearance of high
E-field concentrations at the end of the arcs, as shown in Fig. 3. By positioning probe material at these locations
only, e.g. via chemically selective functionalization, the effect of the analyte on the reflection can be maximized so
that the amount of required material is drastically reduced. a-DSSR FSSs constitute therefore an attractive concept
for sensing applications, e.g. for the development of easily manufacturable and disposable THz biochip technologies
[3, 4]. One should highlight that FSS sensor concepts are advantageous in terms of flexibility, as the direct
interaction of the resonant sensors with free-space THz radiation greatly simplifies system integration.

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898 (2004).
[3] P. H. Siegel, “Terahertz Technology in Biology and Medicine”, IEEE transactions on microwave theory and techniques, Vol. 52 No. 10
(2004).
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[6] R. Marques et al., “Ab initio analysis of frequency selective surfaces based on conventional and complementary split ring resonators”, J. Opt.
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pp. 634-636 (2006).