Chemical and pressure sensors using tapered optical fiber with polymer layer

Abstract

The polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) whose refractive index and shape vary with absorbed organic compounds and pressure is used as the cladding layer in the tapered region of an optical fiber. The light propagation in the tapered region is influenced by the refractive index and shape changes of the PDMS layer due to the optical evanescent field. By monitoring the optical tapered fiber transmission power variations, an organic compound/ pressure sensor is developed.