GA optimized novel design and analysis of graphene-based antennas for THz spectroscopic security applications

Abstract

The proposed research paper introduces a novel design of THz graphene-based antennas capable of countering terrorism by detecting explosive materials and drugs. The research work is subdivided into three distinct sections; the initial research entails conducting a comparative analysis of conventional and genetic algorithm-based optimised designs of terahertz antennas utilising graphene material. Subsequently, three supplementary designs are evaluated in comparison to the optimum design: one integrating a copper ground with a graphene patch, another integrating a copper patch with a graphene ground, and a third incorporating both a copper patch and ground. All four optimised designs, each resonating at a frequency of 5.6 THz, are used to detect explosive compounds like Trinitrotoluene (TNT). The optimised graphene-based antenna outshines the rest of the designs in terms of radiation efficiency, with a value of 90.03 %. It also exhibits superior performance regarding S11 parameters, with a value of −53.38 dB, and VSWR, with a value of 1.004, at the resonant frequency. The optimised antenna demonstrates superior performance concerning gain (dB) and directivity (dBi), measuring 6.56 dB and 7.02 dBi, respectively. During the final phase of the proposed research, a graphene antenna was modified to function as a tri-band antenna by incorporating a 180° mirrored f-shaped slot within the antenna’s patch. The tri-band antenna functions at resonant frequencies of 3.37 THz, 4 THz, and 5.2 THz. These frequencies detect explosives and narcotics, notably l-histidine, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and PETN in PE. These resonant frequencies hold the potential to be utilised in future applications of 6G technology worldwide.