CSRR-based Low Power Microwave Heater for PCR Applications

In this study, a microwave (MW) heater design conceived around a Complementary Split Ring Resonator (CSRR) for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) applications is presented. The placement of the sample in the gaps of the CSRR where the strong electric field is located and the novel method of exceptional impedance matching utilizing a phase shifter, result in efficient MW heating at 2.227 GHz. With a heating power of 2.7 W and 1 W, the sample with a volume of 4 mu l was heated at rates of 21 degrees C/s and 7.6 degrees C/s, respectively, demonstrating the rapid thermal cycling required for the PCR process.