Fiber optics is a broad base technology which can be used to sense both physical and chemical phenomena. Most fiber optics research has centered around high precision position sensing. However, techniques are evolving which allow fiber optics to be used for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.rnThere are four basic design approaches which can be used. The first is fluorescence which involves having ultraviolet light impinge directly upon the target material which, in turn, emits a characteristic fluorescence. The second and third approach use absorption or scattering of transmitted light which is characteristic of the element being sensed. The fourth approach involves refractive index changes associated with the chemical being analyzed.rnThis paper will discuss the basic concepts involved and the state of the art technolgy.
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