Enhancing liquid chemical sensing and EMI shielding with hexagon-encased dual square split resonators

Abstract

The chemical industry relies on advanced sensing technologies to accurately assess liquid chemical samples. Many electronic devices require electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure reliable performance. This study introduces a Hexagon-Encased Dual Square Split Resonator (H-DSSR) structure, based on metamaterials, designed for liquid chemical sensing applications. The proposed structure is polarization-independent, offering high sensitivity and a high-quality factor. It is constructed from an RT5880 substrate, measuring 10 × 10 mm with a thickness of 1.57 mm, and operates at a resonance frequency of 10.65 GHz for both electric and magnetic transverse modes. The scattering parameters (transmission coefficients) are analyzed at various angles, including the incident angle (φ) and polar angle (θ), up to 75° for both modes. To validate the simulation results, a prototype of the proposed metamaterial structure is fabricated and tested in a laboratory setting with different liquid substances. The sensor prototype achieves a sensitivity of 0.60 and a quality factor of 269, demonstrating significant improvements over previous studies, particularly in EMI shielding applications. This sensor can be applied in industries such as liquid chemical monitoring and telecommunications, offering substantial benefits for chemical industries while advancing EMI shielding technology.