Modular fibre optic sensor for the detection of hydrocarbons in water

摘要: A novel modular, mid-infrared, evanescent wave fibre optic sensor for the detection of hydrocarbon pollutants in water has been designed, constructed and tested. The key design feature, its modularity, utilises simple, low cost, optical components provides potential cost production rugged field based sensors. In addition, upgrades, such as tapered, coiled bevelled fibres, can be incorporated to improve limits. current set-up uses a broadband source with backreflecting optics coupled sensing element, coated an analyte-enriching polymer that concentrates analyte region. fibres output end is filtered at absorption peak thermopile detector whose signal read into computer analysis. Results show system's use pollutant detector, benzene quantified down 500 ppm using PVC coating. Response times range concentrations are sufficient real time quantification. Other analytes appropriate enriching bandpass filter centred on question or family. Ongoing component developments allow evolution specifications.