A fiber optic sensor for nerve agent

Abstract

We report advances made on the development of a fiber optic nerve agent sensor having its entire length as the sensing element. The optical fiber is multimode, and consists of a fused-silica core and a nerve agent sensitive cladding. Upon exposure to sarin gas, the cladding changes color, resulting in an alteration of the light intensity throughput. The fiber is mass produced using a conventional fiber optic draw tower. This technology could replace, or be used with, a collection of point-detectors to protect personnel, buildings and perimeters from dangerous chemical attacks.