Selective Detection of Avian Influenza Virus Subtypes in the Terahertz Region Using Array of Gold Cross-shaped Absorber

Three subtypes of Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs)–H1N1, H9N2, and H5N2–were detected in 1.4 THz using metamaterial absorptive biosensor. The proposed sensor was consisted of an array of gold cross-shaped resonator on a silica-gold–silicon wafer. The sensor operates based on the interaction between the virus-infected cells and incident electromagnetic (EM) waves under room temperature condition, resulting in resonance peaks in the absorption spectrum within the terahertz frequency range of 1–2THz. The results were simulated using finite element method (FEM), achieving an ultra-high sensitivity of 53.6 µm/RIU, which corresponds to a figure of merit as high as 28.84. The proposed sensor holds great potential in reducing economic damages in the poultry industry, ensuring public health safety and can also be utilized for the identification of other biological agents or environmental contaminants.