Detection of Organosulfur and Organophosphorus Compounds Using a Hexafluorobutyl Acrylate-Coated Tapered Optical Fibers

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the possibility of detecting organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds by means of polymer-assisted optical fiber technology. The detection of the aforementioned compounds can be realized by fabricating a polymer-coated tapered optical fiber (TOF), where the polymer works as an absorber, which changes the light propagation conditions in the TOF. The TOFs were manufactured based on a standard single-mode fiber for telecommunication purposes and, as an absorbing polymer, hexafluorobutyl acrylate was used, which is sensitive to organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds. The spectral measurements were conducted in a wide optical range—500–1800 nm—covering the visible part of the spectrum as well as near infrared part in order to show the versatility of the proposed solution. Additionally, detailed absorption dynamics measurements were provided for a single wavelength of 1310 nm. The analyses were conducted for two concentrations of evaporating compounds, 10 µL and 100 µL, in a volume of 150 mL. Additionally, a temperature dependency analysis and tests with distilled water were carried out to eliminate the influence of external factors. The results presented in this article confirmed the possibility to provide low-cost sensors for dangerous and harmful chemical compounds using optical fiber technology and polymers as sensitive materials.

Opto-Electronics Review

“…The most interesting description uses the Maxwell's equation to show the electromagnetic field propagating at the boundary of two materials with different refractive indices. It should be noticed that this description is focused mostly on light propagation in a core [24]. However, it should be taken into account that a part of the wave guided in the core penetrates the cladding as the evanescent field, which is described by the light beam parameter-penetration depth (dp) (Fig.…”

“…As a result, the possibility of conducting research work on this type of connection has great potential. The functional materials used, described in the literature, range from quantum dots [5,20], through metals [21,22], polymers [23,24], oxides [25], graphene layers [26,27], up to liquid crystals (LCs) [28][29][30]. To obtain an excellent sensor, the selected material should provide low optical loss for a specific wavelength range, effectively influence changes in the properties of the light beam guided through the fibre by an appropriate modification of material properties, and provide a quick response to changes in the tested parameter.…”

Advances in Tapered Optical Fiber Sensor Structures: From Conventional to Novel and Emerging

“…Firstly, it is compact and can be flexibly installed for measurement and detection in various environments [ 38 ]. Secondly, TOF does not require complex processing and expensive materials, and the preparation cost is relatively low [ 39 ]. In addition, TOF processing accuracy is high, and the preparation process is relatively easy to control with high reproducibility.…”

Opto-Electronics Review

“…FOSs can be divided regarding the type of modulation. Intensity sensors measure the transmission or reflection of the light and may be located along the fibre [15] or at its end, also with additional microstructures such as, e.g., polymer microtips [16][17][18]. Interferometric sensors detect the phase change of a signal due to an optical path length change, however, they only allow relative measurements of a physical quantity [19][20][21].…”