Performance simulation of terahertz waveguide resonance biochemical sensor based on nanoporous gold films

A highly sensitive terahertz (THz) waveguide resonance biochemical sensor is designed and simulated. The consists of a silicon prism, dielectric layer nanoporous gold film. film acts as both THz waveguiding molecular enrichment layer, which can enhance the interaction between mode adsorbed molecules, consequently improving sensor’s sensitivity. When transverse electric (TE) or magnetic (TM) modes are excited by prism-coupling method, absorption results in sharp dips reflection spectrum. frequencies sensitivity to either liquid refractive index (RI) molecules be determined with measured spectra, its figure merit (FOM) improved adjusting thickness RI layer. simulation at 45º incidence angle indicate that TE TM linearly change increasing amount FOM 13.42 THz/RIU 167.70/RIU, respectively. Compared mode, has lower lqiuid but high molecules. reason for these differences evanescent field penentrating out nanopous weaker than mode.