Novel chemical and biological fiber optic sensor

Brian Scott; Cheng Ma; Gary Pickrell; Kristie Cooper; Anbo Wang; Teng Ooi

doi:10.1117/12.721070

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3 May 2007 Novel chemical and biological fiber optic sensor

Brian Scott, Cheng Ma, Gary Pickrell, Kristie Cooper, Anbo Wang, Teng Ooi

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Proceedings Volume 6556, Micro (MEMS) and Nanotechnologies for Defense and Security; 65560F (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.721070
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Effective response to potentially dangerous environmental situations that can arise requires accurate and real time data on the environment that is being monitored. The ability to respond in an appropriate time frame is determined by the sensitivity and response time of the method used for monitoring. Fiber optic sensors have been used and are capable of detecting chemical compounds within an environment; however the sensitivity and response time of this detection method needs to be improved for many sensing applications. Improving these characteristics can be accomplished by designing the structure of the optical fiber sensor to allow increased response time and sensitivity. Through the introduction of new structures and control of these structures, the sensitivity and response time can be designed for a specific application. We have developed a novel porous optical fiber that has potential applications in chemical and biological agent sensing systems. Sensing capabilities of the optical fiber are a result of the structure that is designed into the fiber. The structure of the fiber developed, results of characterization of the fiber and the methods of analysis employed are presented. Methods used to analyze this new fiber optic sensor include nitrogen absorption porosity data, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, and optical characterizations. The structure of the optical fiber is produced by controlling the processing parameters during the fiber draw as well as post processing stages. Fabrication methods and the processing steps that are used during the fiber optic production are also presented. Effect of altering processing conditions on the sensor structure is detailed and how this affects the performance of the fiber.

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Brian Scott, Cheng Ma, Gary Pickrell, Kristie Cooper, Anbo Wang, and Teng Ooi "Novel chemical and biological fiber optic sensor", Proc. SPIE 6556, Micro (MEMS) and Nanotechnologies for Defense and Security, 65560F (3 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.721070

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