Integrated THz biomolecular sensors for DNA

A THz wave based approach for the label-free characterization of genetic material is presented. Time-resolved THz spectroscopic analysis of genetic sequences (polynucleotides) demonstrate a clearly distinct complex refractive index in the THz frequency range as a function of the hybridization state (hybridized/denatured) of the analysed DNA sequences. By monitoring THz signals one can thus infer the binding state of oligo- and polynucleotides, enabling the label-free determination of the genetic composition of polynucleotides. Recent advances in the development of high sensitivity integrated THz sensors reaching femtomol detection levels and single base mutation detection capabilities are reviewed.