Development of fiber optic sensors for in-situ process monitoring.

摘要

Advancements in the field of chemical sensors for both environmental and biological applications are discussed. Two different analytical methods are used, however both involve the coupling of fiber optics allowing the systems to be used easily in the field for in-situ analysis of complex systems. The development of a field portable fiber optic Raman system from a commercially available system for in-situ analysis of terrestrial aqueous systems is discussed. This system can successfully measure sulfate, nitrate, carbonate and phosphate ions simultaneously and accurately. The incorporation of a polymer waveguide enables detection of these ions at part per million (ppm) concentration ranges. This system was further developed to be a stand-alone system. The use of a 6 inch sheath with a sapphire ball lens, instead of the typically used focusing lenses, allows this system to be resistant to highly corrosive environments and extends the possibilities of field analysis to include extreme aqueous environments such as hydrothermal vents. The ball lens, because of its close focal point, should also allow analysis in turbid murky samples such as the vent fluid of black smokers. The development of a second portable system involving fiber optic Surface Plasmon Resonance for in-situ biological analysis of biomarkers associated with chronic wound healing is discussed.