Polymer Optical Fiber Sensors Research Articles

Dynamic gamma-ray monitoring at radioprotection levels with extrinsic polymer optical fiber sensors

The dynamic performance of extrinsic gamma-ray sensors at radioprotection levels is studied. The sensors have been fabricated with chemically etched polymer optical fibers covered with an inorganic scintillator powder (Terbium doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide). This scintillator shows a maximum emission peak at 543 nm, therefore only the signal amplitude at this wavelength has been measured with a commercial grade CCD spectrometer. The transducers have been done at the end of both short (1 m) and large fiber patchcords (27 m). Short patchcords are further mechanically spliced to a fiber link 25 m length through an industrial grade connector-less mating sleeve, and therefore can be easily replaced if needed.All tests were run under gamma irradiation from a 137Cs source, the reference isotope for environmental protection. The measured response of the devices is very repeatable and stable, with a percentage standard deviation below 2% when the air kerma rate is above 1 Gy/h. This deviation increases for lower rates. A Limit of Detection of 0.2 Gy/h, with an integration time at the detection stage of 10 s, has been achieved for transducers done in the 1 m length patchcords spliced to the 25 m length fiber link. This integration time can be further reduced when no splice is included between transducer and detection unit. The behavior of the devices is linear with the delivered air kerma rate, and can provide reliable measurements under repeated radiation exposures. This behavior makes the sensors useful to quickly detect the presence of hazardous radioactive materials in accidental leakage scenarios.

Hysteresis compensation technique applied to polymer optical fiber curvature sensor for lower limb exoskeletons

Polymer optical fiber (POF) curvature sensors present some advantages over conventional techniques for angle measurements, such as their light weight, compactness and immunity to electromagnetic fields. However, high hysteresis can occur in POF curvature sensors due to the polymer viscoelastic response. In order to overcome this limitation, this paper shows how the hysteresis sensor can be compensated by a calibration equation relating the measured output signal to the sensor’s angular velocity. The proposed method is validated using an exoskeleton with an active joint on the knee for flexion and extension rehabilitation exercises. The results show a decrease in sensor hysteresis and a decrease by more than two times in the error between the POF sensor and the potentiometer, which is employed for the angle measurement of the exoskeleton knee joint.

Polymer optical fiber sensors in human life safety

The current state of research into polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors linked to safety in human life is summarized in this paper. This topic is directly related with new solutions for civil aircraft, structural health monitoring, healthcare and biomedicine fields. In the last years, the properties of polymers have been explored to identify situations offering potential advantages over conventional silica fiber sensing technology, replacing, in some cases, problematic electronic technology used in these mentioned fields, where there are some issues to overcome. POFs could preferably replace their silica counterparts, with improved performance and biocompatibility. Finally, new developments are reported which use the unique properties of POF.

Improved extrinsic polymer optical fiber sensors for gamma-ray monitoring in radioprotection applications

Gamma radiation detection in the range of 662keV, the reference for environmental protection, is done through extrinsic optical fiber sensors. The fluorescence rendered by an inorganic scintillator when irradiated with such gamma rays is gathered by a modified polymer optical fiber tip. This modification increases the recorded signal when compared with plain unaltered fiber. Two fiber tip modification are then compared in terms of light gathering capability. A chemically etched fiber, in which the cladding and part of the core are removed, and a tapered fiber in which the core-cladding structure is kept. Both structures are comparable in length and final diameter, and show linear response in the tested range up to 2Gy/h air Kerma rate. The etched fiber shows a higher slope than the tapered one, although both improve the signal gathered by a plain fiber tip. The easy fabrication and handling of the reported transducers, together with the improved signal gathering, allow to reduce the overall system budget with the use of low-cost optoelectronics in the detection stage. This offers a significant improvement for surveillance systems in radioprotection applications, in which presence of gamma radiation coming out accidental leakage or spurious sources activity is the main target.

Polymer optical fiber tapering using chemical solvent and polishing

A method for developing polymer optical fiber (POF) directional coupler is introduced where the initial procedure includes using chemical solvent to remove the cladding, and bare out the core in order to align the unclad center of the fiber with other similar fiber to develop a coupler. The process is safe, simple, inexpensive and require low operation skill. The etched fiber offers improvement to the performance of various POF devices, i.e, couplers and sensors. Instead of relying only on silica or glass fiber, POF now can be used as an alternative to improve the network performance in short distance communication system. The measurement parameters laid out offer great outcomes. However, the couplers intended to be developed is yet to be realized, where deeper research and various experiments are needed in order to develop a simple but optimum performance coupler that can be used for various applications.

Effect of heat treatments on the performance of polymer optical fiber sensor.

Although the numerous advantages of polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors have been applied in different fields, the measurement consistency and sensitivity of POF evanescent wave (EW) sensors are still affected by its thermal stability and water absorption. Therefore, we perform a study to demonstrate the mechanism of the effect of heat treatments on physical and optical properties of POF EW sensors. We investigate the surface morphology, composition, refractive index, geometry, and weight of the fiber-sensing region subjected to water and vacuum heat treatments. We examine the spectral transmission and transmitted light intensity of POF sensors. We present a theoretical investigation of the effect of heat treatments on the sensitivity of POF EW sensors. The performance of the prepared sensor is evaluated using glucose and Chlorella pyrenoidosa analytes. We discovered that the spectral transmission and transmitted light intensity of the fibers shows little effect of vacuum heat treatments. In particular, the sensors, which subject to vacuum heat treatment at 110 °C for 3 h, exhibit temperature-independent measuring consistency and high sensitivity in glucose solutions in the temperature range 15-60 °C and also show high sensitivity in Chlorella pyrenoidosa solutions.

The response of polymer optical fiber (POF) to bending and axial tension for the application of a POF sensor for automotive seat occupancy sensing

The automotive industry is a promising area for innovations in the field of polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors as the industry currently uses the POF mostly for data transmissions. Since an optical fiber sensor has a high bandwidth, is small in size, is lightweight, and is immune to electromagnetic interference, it offers higher performance than that of its electrical-based counterparts such as the strain gage, elastomeric bladder, and resistive sensor systems. This enhanced performance makes an optical fiber sensor a suitable material for sensing seat occupancy for improved safety features in automobiles. The overall goal of this research is to develop a textile-based optical fiber sensor for automotive seat occupancy with high accuracy and reproducibility. In this study, the bending and tensile loading responses of POF were investigated, where two perfluorinated (PF) graded index (GI) POFs with two different core/cladding diameters, 62.5/750 and 62.5/490 μm, were used. The bending loss and the light attenuation against the applied axial stress were measured by a photon counting optical time-domain reflectometer. The critical bending diameters were analyzed: Cytop-1 (62.5/750 μm) ≥ 38.10 mm, Cytop-2 (62.5/490 μm) ≥ 44.45 mm. Furthermore, the elastic sensitive strain regions (x), where the stress-induced loss was recoverable, of the POFs at a 76.2 mm gage length at a strain rate of 4 mm/min were determined: Cytop-1: 3% ≤ x ≤ 3.5%, Cytop-2: 3.1% ≤ x ≤ 3.3%. The Cytop-1 was found to be less sensitive to bending and to have greater elastic sensitive strain range relative to the Cytop-2. In this study, a theoretical approach of the PF GI POF behavior to bending and axial tension was provided. The results demonstrated the feasibility of POFs as optical fiber sensors for automotive seat occupancy sensing.

Crack detection and monitoring in viscoelastic solids using polymer optical fiber sensors.

Detecting and monitoring of crack in viscoelastic solids, as a result of large and time-dependent deformations, are of great importance but have not been carried out sufficiently well. In this paper, polymer optical fibers (POFs) are employed to detect and monitor cracks in viscoelastic solids subjected to tensile loading. The sensor system is developed based on the variation of light intensity within the POFs when the POF sensors are loaded. The sensors show good stability, cost-effective, and large enough strain range (60%). The results demonstrate that in addition to monitoring the strain state of viscoelastic solids, the POFs strain sensors can detect initial cracks and monitor cracks propagation up to ultimate failure.

The response of polymer optical fiber (POF) to cyclic loading for the application of a POF sensor for automotive seat occupancy sensing

The goal of this research aimed to develop an accurate and reproducible textile-based optical fiber sensor for automotive seat occupancy. In our previous publication, the response of perfluorinated (PF) graded index (GI) polymer optical fibers (POFs) (62.5/750 and 62.5/490 μm) to bending and tensile loading was investigated. In this study, the response of the PF GI POFs to cyclic loading was investigated. The repeated loading and unloading the POF sensor would experience due to car vibrations and multiple uses by seat occupants, might cause fatigue failure to the POF sensor. The results showed that the Cytop-1 did not show any permanent deformation up to 500 cycles at strain rates 4 and 60 mm/min at a gage length of 76.2 mm in its elastic sensitive strain region. The Cytop-2 showed permanent deformation at 3.5% strain after 500 cycles at a gage length of 76.2 mm. Thus, the Cytop-1 was found out to be more appropriate to be used as an optical fiber sensor for automotive seat occupancy sensing relative to the Cytop-2. In this study, a theoretical approach of the behavior of PF GI POF to cyclic loading was also provided.

Polymer Optical Fiber Compound Parabolic Concentrator fiber tip based glucose sensor: in-Vitro Testing

We present in vitro sensing of glucose using a newly developed efficient optical fiber glucose sensor based on a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC)-tipped polymer optical fiber (POF). A batch of nine CPC-tipped POF sensors with a 35-mm fiber length is shown to have an enhanced fluorescence pickup efficiency with an average increment factor of 1.7 as compared with standard POF sensors with a plane cut fiber tip. in vitro measurements for two glucose concentrations (40 and 400 mg/dL) confirm that the CPC-tipped sensors can efficiently detect both glucose concentrations.

Optical-only Detection of Partial Discharge with Fluorescent Polymer Optical Fiber Sensors

This paper reflects recent progress in the field of fluorescent polymer optical fiber sensors (F-POF) for partial discharge (PD) detection in high voltage (HV) cable accessories using optical-only PD detection by coincidence single photon counting. In experiments with artificial PD sources these sensors show the ability to detect optical emissions from picocoulomb-level PDs in a real-scale model of a translucent high voltage cable accessory. False positives (caused by detector noise) are efficiently suppressedwhile maintaining sufficient sensitivity,even when the sensor is located in an unfavorable position.

Polymer Optical Fibre Sensor for Measuring Breathing Rate of Lying Person

Abstract A physiological sensor enabling measurement of one of the vital signs (breathing rate) of a person without direct contact with the person is presented. Compared to current vital signs measuring devices we present a much simpler and less time consuming method of measuring vital signs with the potential for applications in hospitals and homes. A practical prototype sensor, based on polymer optical fibre (POF) sensor instrumentation was fabricated using Toray specific grade fibre exhibiting an increase in 30 % bending losses from the standard (FX 1000) commercial fibre. A 640 nm light-emitting diode was used to illuminate the fibre, with its sensitivity to bending increased by cutting transversal grooves along the fibre and then by applying plastic rods along the fibre to increase bending loss. Although both methods increased the bending loss of the fibre, grooving reduced POF durability and integrity, whereas use of the plastic rods enhanced bending losses without damaging the fibre. Signals from respiration as well as postural movements of a person lying on the POF sensor allow measurements to be taken in an unobtrusive manner. Bending losses attenuating light transmission through the fibre were related to displacement of POF during respiration (expansion and contraction of the chest cavity displace the surface in contact with the upper torso – in this case the meandering arrangement of the fibre sensor located on a TREDAIRE substrate). Bending losses were converted to voltage signals and captured by National Instruments hardware together with LabVIEW software. The sensor was found to be competent in evaluating respiration with a resolution of 100 μV and a sensitivity of 2.3 % change in light transmission for each breathing cycle of the person under study.

Highly Sensitive and Selective Gas Sensor Using Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Graphenes

New hydrophilic 2D graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with various oxygen functional groups were employed to maintain high sensitivity in highly unfavorable environments (extremely high humidity, strong acidic or basic). Novel one-headed polymer optical fiber sensor arrays using hydrophilic GO and hydrophobic reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were carefully designed, leading to the selective sensing of volatile organic gases for the first time. The two physically different surfaces of GO and rGO could provide the sensing ability to distinguish between tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dichloromethane (MC), respectively, which is the most challenging issue in the area of gas sensors. The eco-friendly physical properties of GO allowed for faster sensing and higher sensitivity when compared to previous results for rGO even under extreme environments of over 90% humidity, making it the best choice for an environmentally friendly gas sensor.

Polymer Optical Fiber Intensity-Based Sensor for Liquid-Level Measurements in Volumetric Flasks for Industrial Application

A low-cost intensity-based polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor for liquid detection applied to volumetric flasks is presented. Experimental results demonstrate the viability of the POF-based sensor system in a high-accuracy liquid level measurement scenario. Moreover, a wireless mesh sensor network based on ZigBee specification protocol to address multiplexed POF-based sensor is also developed. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility to address a high number of optical sensors in an industrial process framework by means of this low-cost wireless solution.

Intensity-Based Optical Systems for Fluid Level Detection

In this work different patented optical sensing solutions are reviewed, mostly for their application of measuring fluid level within tanks, containers or bio-mass boilers in condominiums, thus providing an intrinsically safe sensing scenario within harsh and hazardous environments, due to the passive nature of light. In general, the intensity modulation of the light is very attractive since it is simple in concept, reliable, and can produce optical sensors which offer a wide range of applications at lower costs, thus facilitating their final commercialization and market spread. The optical sensing solutions discussed in this work include a fiber-optic sensor for fluid detection/level with intrinsic self-referencing property thus solving one of the main drawbacks when using intensity-based sensors, namely the undesirable and unexpected optical power fluctuations when operating. Moreover, a low-cost intensity-based POF sensor for fuel level measurements in paramotoring and powered paragliding is presented. It features a very simple and a very low-cost solution for these sports, attending the increasing demand of new and more sophisticated embedded sensors in the flight instrumental. Going on from this, a fiber-optic fluid level sensor for a range greater than 2m is described. The system uses a single lens and a single fiber but being possible to increase the measuring safety area by optical multiplexing. Finally, a fluid level sensor based on a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), which includes a temperature control scheme, is presented. Its final embodiment design is also shown and described. Keywords: Fiber-optic sensor, fluid level, intensity-based optical sensor, polymer optical fiber (POF), self-referencing technique, Liquid Detection, POF Fiber-optic Sensor, Paragliding

A Polymer Optical Fiber Fuel Level Sensor: Application to Paramotoring and Powered Paragliding

A low-cost intensity-based polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor for fuel level measurements in paramotoring and powered paragliding is presented, exploiting the advantages of the optical fiber sensing technology. Experimental results demonstrate that the best option can be performed by stripping the fiber at the desired discrete points to measure the fuel level as well as with a gauge-shape fiber bending. The prototype has a good linearity, better than 4% full scale (F.S.), and sensitivity around 0.5 V per bend are obtained. Hysteresis due to residual fluid at the sensing points is found to be less than 9% F.S.

Effect of resin type on the signal integrity of an embedded perfluorinated polymer optical fiber

Polymer optical fibers (POF) hold many advantages for embedded sensing, such as their low cost, flexibility, high tensile strain limits and high fracture toughness. POF sensors may therefore be integrated into fiber reinforced composite structures for monitoring structural behavior. Since POFs do not require a protective coating, it is critical to verify that the resin system does not have a negative impact on the noise level or performance of POF sensors during composite manufacture. This study measured the effect of vinylester and epoxy resin systems on the signal loss of embedded perfluorinated, graded index POFs. Photon-counting optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) was used to monitor the signal attenuation and backscattering level of the POFs throughout the resin curing cycle. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and cross section analyses using scanning electronic microscope (SEM) images were also conducted to investigate whether the resin system caused chemical and physical changes of the POF. This study showed that vinylester resin caused a significant increase in the backscattering level of POF sensors and therefore induced high fiber signal losses. On the other hand, the POF treated with epoxy showed no change in backscattering level, indicating that no chemical or physical change had occurred to the POF.

Analytic Formulation of Transmission Light Intensity of Hole Blockers in Intensity-based Polymer Optical Fiber Sensors

Intensity-based optical fiber sensors are devised using a blocker which is located between two polymer optical fibers(POFs), one fiber is light-in and the other is light-out. This blocker is moved by an external displacement. Therefore, finding a general formulation of the relation between this displacement and transmission light intensity of various blockers is important to help develop intensity-based optical fiber sensors. In this paper, we consider blockers with arbitrary shapes from circular holes to inclined angled blockers. The transmission light intensities of such blockers should be determined by this generalized equation. In order to verify this equation, the calculated intensities of the blockers are compared with the values acquired from experiment. In the comparison, it is shown that the analytic equation can give the exact values of the transmitted light intensities for the assorted blockers. The range of the displacement measurement is also shown to be about 6 times of the radius of the hole in the case of a 9 degree inclined angle blocker.

Detection of Acetone Vapor Using Graphene on Polymer Optical Fiber

Recently, many studies have been focused on the development of fiber optic sensor systems for various gases and vapors. In the present study, an intrinsic polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor using graphene is described for the purpose of acetone vapor sensing for the first time. Observations on the continuous measurement of acetone vapor in dehydrated air are presented. The principle of operation of sensor transduction relies on the dependence of the reflectance on the optical and geometric properties of the sensitive over layered when the vapor molecules are adsorbed on the graphene film. For the same purpose the CVD synthesized graphene film was transferred on the POF end. The synthesized graphene film thickness was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the preliminary evaluation using volatile organic compounds, we evaluated the sensor performance for acetone. Upon the interaction of the sensor with acetone vapor, the variation in the reflected light was monitored as a function of the acetone concentration. The sensor response shows a significant change in sensitivity as compared with the POF probe without a graphene coating. The present sensor shows a satisfactory response upon exposure to various concentrations of acetone vapor from 44 ppm to 352 ppm. To the best of our knowledge, the use of graphene film along with POF for the sensing of volatile organic compounds has not previously been reported.

Validation of a single-mode polymer optical fiber sensor and interrogator for large strain measurements

A single-mode polymer optical fiber (POF) in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration is validated for the measurement of tensile nominal elongation of the POF up to 10%. The single-mode POF sensors were unmounted and surface mounted on aluminum tensile coupons for strain measurements. The measured strains from the POF sensors were compared to extensometer measurements for validation. The phase response of the interferometer was measured with a 3 × 3 coupler interrogator. The coupler arrangement was configured to permit the extraction of potential intensity changes in the sensor arm. The phase-shift–strain response of the POF sensors was repeatable for the loading and unloading measurements. The nonlinearity of the phase-shift–strain response was greater than that measured during pure tensile loading of the POF, presumably due to the behavior of the adhesive between the optical fiber and the aluminum coupons.