Graphene and Gold Metasurface-Based Terahertz Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Explosive Detection

Abstract

The development of efficient sensors for rapid and accurate detection of explosives is a critical requirement for various security and safety applications. In this study, we present a novel approach that utilizes a terahertz sensor enhanced by graphene and a gold metasurface deposited on a glass substrate for the identification of nitroglycerine, TNT, and RDX. The integration of these nanomaterials into the sensor design significantly enhances its sensitivity and specificity to trace amounts of explosives. This innovative sensor offers a multifaceted approach to achieve both high sensitivity and specificity by leveraging the unique characteristics of gold, graphene, and glass within a metasurface architecture. The implications of these are substantial, indicating the sensor’s significant promise in forensic drug detection. The results highlight the exceptional performance traits of the proposed graphene metasurface sensor. With a maximum sensitivity of 927 GHz/RIU and a detection limit of 0.189 RIU − 1, the sensor showcases its impressive capabilities. Additionally, the sensor resolutions and FOM, calculated at 0.025 and 4.905 RIU-1, respectively, underscore its ability to precisely measure even the most delicate alterations in the refractive index.