Improved performance of fiber-optic hydrogen sensor based on Mg-Ti alloys composite thin films

Abstract

The design of intrinsic safe, sensitive and reversible hydrogen sensor is still challenging. Employing new hydrogen sensitive film is an effective way to improve the performance of hydrogen sensor. In this work, a novel method was proposed to improve the sensitivity of Mg-Ti based fiber optic hydrogen sensor by sputtering Mg-Ti-Ni composite films on the end face of the fiber as hydrogen sensitive layer. Performances of two types of sensors were investigated under different hydrogen concentration conditions. The experimental results demonstrate that Mg-Ti-Ni based sensor displays better repeatability and stability than Mg-Ti based sensor, which brings new ideas for continuous monitoring of hydrogen concentration and its application in improving the performance of Mg based hydrogen sensors.