An all polymer fibre optic sensor for measuring rapid change in oxygen partial pressure
Chen R., Farmery AD., Obeid A., Hahn CEW.
A reliable, robust and low cost fibre optic oxygen sensor for measuring rapid changes in oxygen partial pressure has been developed using a polymer optical fibre and a polymer sensing matrix which is biocompatible with human tissue. These materials have been used in many medical and biomedical applications. The polymer fibre optic oxygen sensor is based on the fluorescence quenching of a fluorophore by oxygen. The sensing matrix, containing immobilized Pt(II) complexes, was coated at the end of the polymer optical fibre. The sensitivity and time response of the sensor were evaluated using the method of luminescence intensity measurement. The polymer substrate influence on the sensor time response was reduced by using a fibre taper design, and the response time of the optimized sensor was less than 200ms. This all polymer fibre optic oxygen sensor is more suitable for clinical use in terms of safety, robustness, flexibility, and low cost. © 2011 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).