Photonic crystal fiber-based terahertz biosensor: Identifying Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and skin health implications

The widespread Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus , often known as S. aureus , is present on human skin and in nasal passages. Although it can occasionally be harmless, it is a dangerous pathogen that can cause skin infections and systemic illnesses. One of the main concerns is its increasing resistance to traditional treatments. To accurately identify S. aureus , we describe a highly sensitive photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor. THz PCF basically the foundation of the sensor, which offers a dependable and selective platform for bacterial identification. One of the main causes of wounds, skin infections, and other serious health problems is S. aureus . The suggested PCF efficiently confines and guides terahertz radiation by utilizing air gaps and high index contrast. Its highest relative sensitivity, when operating at 1.6 THz, is 97.21 % for S. aureus (RI = 1.416) and 94.74 % for basal normal (RI = 1.36). The sensor has a high effective material loss of 0.008678 cm −1 and 0.005573 cm −1 regarding equivalent RI values and low confinement loss of 6.513 × 10 −9 dB/m and 2.4276 × 10 −7 dB/m. Sensor exhibits very low CL as well as negligible effective material loss, guaranteeing dependability with efficiency. Timely treatment and improved results with less harsh medications are made possible by early diagnosis of infections, including skin cancer. It streamlines illness monitoring and enhances patient care. The sensor is appropriate for portable diagnostic equipment because of its small size, excellent accuracy, and versatility. In field and hospital settings, its portability makes it perfect for quick on-site detection. This creative design encourages global healthcare awareness and advances treatment approaches. A terahertz photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor is proposed for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus . The sensor achieves 97.21 % relative sensitivity at 1.6 THz with ultra-low confinement and material losses, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. Compact, accurate, and portable, this PCF design enables early infection diagnosis and enhances on-site healthcare monitoring.