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FOSenseTM Technology Offering

SUMMARY:
Science & Sensors Technologies developed a low cost multi-point/multi-parameter optical fiber sensor that can be used to determine a wide variety of measurands such as strain, pressure, temperature, chemical impurities and position of a fluid interface. This device uses unique side illumination technology, FOSenseTM, that allows the use of low cost light sources, of any wavelength and size. This produces a very high spatial resolution device having a high density of sensing points along the fiber length. With light sources as small as 5 mm, it is possible to accommodate up to 10 sensing points for every 5 cm of fiber! This device can be embedded into a solid structure or immersed in a fluid to make virtually any type of measurement.


SENSOR SYSTEM:
The sensor system consists of:
  1. An optical fiber.
  2. LED(s) and power source.
  3. A photodetector.
  4. A data logger.
A prototype fiber sensor, 23 cm long, with three sensing points, is shown in Figure 1. The optical fiber is mounted over a plastic support which can house a large number of LED light sources. These LEDs side illuminate the fiber to probe different sensing points along its length (see Figure 2). After this light passes through the cladding, it is detected by either a light meter or a spectrometer.
Figure 1. Optical fiber sensor and its support.


APPLICATIONS:
In situ absorption, scattering, colorimetric and fluorescence measurements have been demonstrated. Due to its flexibility, this device can be used in many market applications including:
Figure 2. A sensing point being probed by an LED.

  • Flow Injection Analysis.
  • Hydroponics and Soil Agriculture.
  • QC for Pharmaceuticals and Beverages.
  • Fluid Monitoring.
  • Aerospace Industry.
  • Environmental Sensing.
  • Smart Structures.
  • Civil Engineering.
  • Chemical Analysis.


    • BENEFITS:
  • High signal output.
    		•
  • Low Cost.
  • Simple detection system.
  • Corrosion resistant.
  • Low power consumption.
    		•
  • High spatial resolution.
    		•
  • Distributed/multi point/multi parameter sensing.
    		•
  • High density of sensing points.
    		•
  • Multiple parameter detection in a single fiber or in a single sensing point.
    		•


    SENSORS DEMONSTRATED:
  • Chloride ions.
  • Turbidity and liquid level.
  • Relative Humidity (Resolution: 0.15%).
  • Potassium ion (Resolution: 1ppm).
  • Phosphate ion (Resolution: 300 ppb).
  • Nitrate ion in water (Resolution: 300 ppb).

    • Many other types of sensors are possible including CO2, strain, Methane, Arsenic, Chlorine, temperature, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), etc.


    IP POSITION:
    This sensor is protected under US Patent No. 7,473,906, Mexican Patent No. 275,404, one pending domestic application, one international patent application and related overseas applications in Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.


    ALSO OFFERED:
    Technology transfer assistance may be provided with a license. A proof-of-concept test program is also available.

    For more information on licensing this technology please contact:


    Zolt Pukanecz, CLP
    Representing Science & Sensors Technologies
    PO Box 72
    Trexlertown, PA 18087
    zoltpuk@yahoo.com
    610-554-4843

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