Fiber Optic Array Sensors as an Architecture for an Artificial Nose

摘要

Imaging optical fibers can be used in conjunction with two-dimensional detectors such as CCD cameras to fabricate array sensors. These sensors contain spatially-separated photopolymers containing analyte-sensitive fluorescent indicators on an imaging fiber tip. Spatial resolution of the indicators is maintained through the imaging fiber array and projected onto a CCD detector. Sensors have been fabricated using the conventional one analyte-one sensor paradigm. This approach has resulted in multianalyte sensors for blood gases, process control parameters, and environmental contaminants, An entirely different approach is also being taken. Sensing sites containing cross-reactive indicator regions are deposited on the end of the imaging fiber. The resulting array is then challenged with a variety of analytes. Pattern recognition algorithms are employed to train a neural network. The resulting sensor array can identify subsequent challenges with the analyte even after extended use.