Coplanar waveguide biosensor for detecting molecular or cellular events

A coplanar waveguide biosensor test system, comprising:

• a signal source operable to output an electromagnetic test signal;
• a one-port coplanar waveguide transmission line electrically coupled to the signal source and operable to support the propagation of a electromagnetic signal, comprising:
• a signal line configured to conduct a time-varying voltage therealong;
• and
• one or more ground elements configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage therealong, the one or more ground elements spaced apart from the signal line and located generally within the same plane as the signal line, wherein a detection region is formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements;
• and
• a sample containment structure intersecting the detection region of the one-port coplanar waveguide transmission line, wherein the sample containment structure comprises a cavity operable to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region;
• and
• a signal detector electrically coupled to the coplanar waveguide signal line.

A coplanar waveguide biosensor for detecting molecular or cellular events, comprising:

• a two-port coplanar waveguide transmission line operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic test signal, comprising:
• a signal line configured to conduct a time-varying voltage therealong;
• and
• one or more ground elements configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage therealong, the one or more ground elements spaced apart from the signal line and located generally within the same plane as the signal line, wherein a detection region is formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements;
• and
• a sample containment structure intersecting the detection region of the one-port coplanar waveguide transmission line, the sample containment structure comprising:
• a cavity operable to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region;
• and
• at least one sample port operable to supply the sample solution to the cavity.