Publication

Abstract : In this work, we have created and simulated a metasurface-based terahertz (THz) antenna which detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus with high sensitivity and precision. We managed to obtain virus detection using a monitoring of changes in the reflection coefficient with the presence of the virus sample on the antenna surface. The antenna was modeled using CST Studio Suite 2019, consisting of Floquet ports to investigate its periodic structure. The material properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were predicted using a dielectric constant ranging from 9-15 and a loss tangent of 0.20 to properly model the virus. In the absence of the virus, the antenna has a reflection coefficient of −31.2 dB at 0.3853 THz. Upon the introduction of the virus, the resonance frequency shifts to 0.3432 THz with a dielectric constant of 9 F/m and a frequency shift of 0.3430 THz with a dielectric constant of 15 F/m, providing a measurable 42.3 GHz of frequency shift. This is a confirmation of the proper identification of the virus. It provides a rapid and robust, non-invasive and sensitive method for virus detection. Future work is capable of optimizing the antenna’s structure to detect other kinds of viruses and based on experimental tests, validate performance.