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Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2015) | Viewed by 195648

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gary R. Pickrell

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Materials Science and Engineering Department; Rolls Royce Commonwealth Director of Surface Engineering, Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing; Director, NanoBioMaterials Laboratory; Associate Director, Center for Photonics Technology, Electrical and Computer, Engineering Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Interests: sensors; optical properties of materials; optical fiber design and fabrication; glass manufacturing science; experimental design training and implementation; plasma spray processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniel Homa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Materials Science and Engineering Department, Center for Photonics Technology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Interests: optical fiber sensing; harsh environment optical fibers; optical fiber fabrication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the journal, Sensors, entitled “Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications” will focus on all aspects of the research and development related to these areas. Papers that focus on the design and experimental verification of these sensors, as well as papers that focus on the results of sensor field testing in these areas, are welcome. This Special Issue aims to provide a broad platform for publishing the many rapid advances that are currently being achieved in the area of photonic sensor technology. It is envisioned that by providing this Special Issue and allowing sufficient breadth in the submissions accepted, similarities across market segments may be realized by researchers in these different application areas, and as such, will provide synergistic comparisons that may enhance the overall photonic sensor efforts, which are rapidly advancing throughout the world at the present time.

Prof. Dr. Gary R. Pickrell
Dr. Daniel Homa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • photonic sensor
  • fiber optic sensor
  • chemical sensors
  • biological sensors
  • physical sensors
  • health monitoring
  • environmental monitoring
  • industrial monitoring

Published Papers (22 papers)

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6393 KiB  
Article
A Simplified, Light Emitting Diode (LED) Based, Modular System to be Used for the Rapid Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Quality: Development and Validation on Dye Solutions
by Raffaele Civelli, Valentina Giovenzana, Roberto Beghi, Ezio Naldi, Riccardo Guidetti and Roberto Oberti
Sensors 2015, 15(9), 22705-22723; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150922705 - 08 Sep 2015
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5114
Abstract
NIR spectroscopy has proven to be one of the most efficient and ready to transfer tools to monitor product’s quality. Portable VIS/NIR instruments are particularly versatile and suitable for field use to monitor the ripening process or quality parameters. The aim of this [...] Read more.
NIR spectroscopy has proven to be one of the most efficient and ready to transfer tools to monitor product’s quality. Portable VIS/NIR instruments are particularly versatile and suitable for field use to monitor the ripening process or quality parameters. The aim of this work is to develop and evaluate a new simplified optoelectronic system for potential measurements on fruit and vegetables directly in the field. The development, characterization and validation of an operative prototype is discussed. LED technology was chosen for the design, and spectral acquisition at four specific wavelengths (630, 690, 750 and 850 nm) was proposed. Nevertheless, attention was given to the modularity and versatility of the system. Indeed, the possibility to change the light sources module with other wavelengths allows one to adapt the use of the same device for different foreseeable applications and objectives, e.g., ripeness evaluation, detection of particular diseases and disorders, chemical and physical property prediction, shelf life analysis, as well as for different natures of products (berry, leaf or liquid). Validation tests on blue dye water solutions have shown the capability of the system of discriminating low levels of reflectance, with a repeatability characterized by a standard deviation proportional to the measured intensity and in general limited to 2%–4%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2968 KiB  
Article
Designing a Microfluidic Device with Integrated Ratiometric Oxygen Sensors for the Long-Term Control and Monitoring of Chronic and Cyclic Hypoxia
by Samantha M. Grist, Jonathan C. Schmok, Meng-Chi (Andy) Liu, Lukas Chrostowski and Karen C. Cheung
Sensors 2015, 15(8), 20030-20052; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150820030 - 14 Aug 2015
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9555
Abstract
Control of oxygen over cell cultures in vitro is a topic of considerable interest, as chronic and cyclic hypoxia can alter cell behaviour. Both static and transient hypoxic levels have been found to affect tumour cell behaviour; it is potentially valuable to include [...] Read more.
Control of oxygen over cell cultures in vitro is a topic of considerable interest, as chronic and cyclic hypoxia can alter cell behaviour. Both static and transient hypoxic levels have been found to affect tumour cell behaviour; it is potentially valuable to include these effects in early, in vitro stages of drug screening. A barrier to their inclusion is that rates of transient hypoxia can be a few cycles/hour, which is difficult to reproduce in traditional in vitro cell culture environments due to long diffusion distances from control gases to the cells. We use a gas-permeable three-layer microfluidic device to achieve spatial and temporal oxygen control with biologically-relevant switching times. We measure the oxygen profiles with integrated, ratiometric optical oxygen sensors, demonstrate sensor and system stability over multi-day experiments, and characterize a pre-bleaching process to improve sensor stability. We show, with both finite-element modelling and experimental data, excellent control over the oxygen levels by the device, independent of fluid flow rate and oxygenation for the operating flow regime. We measure equilibration times of approximately 10 min, generate complex, time-varying oxygen profiles, and study the effects of oxygenated media flow rates on the measured oxygen levels. This device could form a useful tool for future long-term studies of cell behaviour under hypoxia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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9951 KiB  
Article
Suppression of Systematic Errors of Electronic Distance Meters for Measurement of Short Distances
by Jaroslav Braun, Martin Štroner, Rudolf Urban and Filip Dvořáček
Sensors 2015, 15(8), 19264-19301; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150819264 - 06 Aug 2015
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8513
Abstract
In modern industrial geodesy, high demands are placed on the final accuracy, with expectations currently falling below 1 mm. The measurement methodology and surveying instruments used have to be adjusted to meet these stringent requirements, especially the total stations as the most often [...] Read more.
In modern industrial geodesy, high demands are placed on the final accuracy, with expectations currently falling below 1 mm. The measurement methodology and surveying instruments used have to be adjusted to meet these stringent requirements, especially the total stations as the most often used instruments. A standard deviation of the measured distance is the accuracy parameter, commonly between 1 and 2 mm. This parameter is often discussed in conjunction with the determination of the real accuracy of measurements at very short distances (5–50 m) because it is generally known that this accuracy cannot be increased by simply repeating the measurement because a considerable part of the error is systematic. This article describes the detailed testing of electronic distance meters to determine the absolute size of their systematic errors, their stability over time, their repeatability and the real accuracy of their distance measurement. Twenty instruments (total stations) have been tested, and more than 60,000 distances in total were measured to determine the accuracy and precision parameters of the distance meters. Based on the experiments’ results, calibration procedures were designed, including a special correction function for each instrument, whose usage reduces the standard deviation of the measurement of distance by at least 50%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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766 KiB  
Article
A Time Difference Method for Measurement of Phase Shift between Distributed Feedback Laser Diode (DFB-LD) Output Wavelength and Intensity
by Yongning Liu, Jun Chang, Jie Lian, Zhaojun Liu, Qiang Wang and Cunguang Zhu
Sensors 2015, 15(7), 16153-16161; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150716153 - 06 Jul 2015
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6267
Abstract
A time difference method to conveniently measure the phase shift between output wavelength and intensity of distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB-LDs) was proposed. This approach takes advantage of asymmetric absorption positions at the same wavelength during wavelength increase and decrease tuning processes in [...] Read more.
A time difference method to conveniently measure the phase shift between output wavelength and intensity of distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB-LDs) was proposed. This approach takes advantage of asymmetric absorption positions at the same wavelength during wavelength increase and decrease tuning processes in the intensity-time curve by current modulation. For its practical implementation, a measurement example of phase shift was demonstrated by measuring a time difference between the first time and the second time attendances of the same gas absorption line in the intensity-time curve during one sine or triangle modulation circle. The phase shifts at modulation frequencies ranging from 50 Hz to 50 kHz were measured with a resolution of 0.001π. As the modulation frequency increased the shift value increased with a slowed growth rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2670 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Prestress Force Distribution in the Multi-Strand System of Prestressed Concrete Structures
by Keunhee Cho, Sung Yong Park, Jeong-Rae Cho, Sung Tae Kim and Young-Hwan Park
Sensors 2015, 15(6), 14079-14092; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150614079 - 15 Jun 2015
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6010
Abstract
Prestressed concrete (PSC) is one of the most reliable, durable and widely used construction materials, which overcomes the weakness of concrete in tension by the introduction of a prestress force. Smart strands enabling measurement of the prestress force have recently been developed to [...] Read more.
Prestressed concrete (PSC) is one of the most reliable, durable and widely used construction materials, which overcomes the weakness of concrete in tension by the introduction of a prestress force. Smart strands enabling measurement of the prestress force have recently been developed to maintain PSC structures throughout their lifetime. However, the smart strand cannot give a representative indication of the whole prestress force when used in multi-strand systems since each strand sustains a different prestress force. In this paper, the actual distribution of the prestress force in a multi-strand system is examined using elastomagnetic (EM) sensors to develop a method for tracking representative indicators of the prestress force using smart strands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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3392 KiB  
Article
A Rapid Method to Achieve Aero-Engine Blade Form Detection
by Bin Sun and Bing Li
Sensors 2015, 15(6), 12782-12801; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150612782 - 01 Jun 2015
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6769
Abstract
This paper proposes a rapid method to detect aero-engine blade form, according to the characteristics of an aero-engine blade surface. This method first deduces an inclination error model in free-form surface measurements based on the non-contact laser triangulation principle. Then a four-coordinate measuring [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a rapid method to detect aero-engine blade form, according to the characteristics of an aero-engine blade surface. This method first deduces an inclination error model in free-form surface measurements based on the non-contact laser triangulation principle. Then a four-coordinate measuring system was independently developed, a special fixture was designed according to the blade shape features, and a fast measurement of the blade features path was planned. Finally, by using the inclination error model for correction of acquired data, the measurement error that was caused by tilt form is compensated. As a result the measurement accuracy of the Laser Displacement Sensor was less than 10 μm. After the experimental verification, this method makes full use of optical non-contact measurement fast speed, high precision and wide measuring range of features. Using a standard gauge block as a measurement reference, the coordinate system conversion data is simple and practical. It not only improves the measurement accuracy of the blade surface, but also its measurement efficiency. Therefore, this method increases the value of the measurement of complex surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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1678 KiB  
Article
Optical Detection of Paraoxon Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films with Attached Organophosphorus Hydrolase-Expressed Escherichia coli
by Intae Kim, Geon Hwee Kim, Chang Sup Kim, Hyung Joon Cha and Geunbae Lim
Sensors 2015, 15(6), 12513-12525; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150612513 - 27 May 2015
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6985
Abstract
In whole-cell based biosensors, spectrophotometry is one of the most commonly used methods for detecting organophosphates due to its simplicity and reliability. The sensor performance is directly affected by the cell immobilization method because it determines the amount of cells, the mass transfer [...] Read more.
In whole-cell based biosensors, spectrophotometry is one of the most commonly used methods for detecting organophosphates due to its simplicity and reliability. The sensor performance is directly affected by the cell immobilization method because it determines the amount of cells, the mass transfer rate, and the stability. In this study, we demonstrated that our previously-reported microbe immobilization method, a microbe-attached single-walled carbon nanotube film, can be applied to whole-cell-based organophosphate sensors. This method has many advantages over other whole-cell organophosphate sensors, including high specific activity, quick cell immobilization, and excellent stability. A device with circular electrodes was fabricated for an enlarged cell-immobilization area. Escherichia coli expressing organophosphorus hydrolase in the periplasmic space and single-walled carbon nanotubes were attached to the device by our method. Paraoxon was hydrolyzed using this device, and detected by measuring the concentration of the enzymatic reaction product, p-nitrophenol. The specific activity of our device was calculated, and was shown to be over 2.5 times that reported previously for other whole-cell organophosphate sensors. Thus, this method for generation of whole-cell-based OP biosensors might be optimal, as it overcomes many of the caveats that prevent the widespread use of other such devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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1186 KiB  
Article
Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor with Selective Analyte Channels and Graphene-Silver Deposited Core
by Ahmmed A. Rifat, G. Amouzad Mahdiraji, Desmond M. Chow, Yu Gang Shee, Rajib Ahmed and Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan
Sensors 2015, 15(5), 11499-11510; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150511499 - 19 May 2015
Cited by 260 | Viewed by 12702
Abstract
We propose a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with selectively filled analyte channels. Silver is used as the plasmonic material to accurately detect the analytes and is coated with a thin graphene layer to prevent oxidation. The [...] Read more.
We propose a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with selectively filled analyte channels. Silver is used as the plasmonic material to accurately detect the analytes and is coated with a thin graphene layer to prevent oxidation. The liquid-filled cores are placed near to the metallic channel for easy excitation of free electrons to produce surface plasmon waves (SPWs). Surface plasmons along the metal surface are excited with a leaky Gaussian-like core guided mode. Numerical investigations of the fiber’s properties and sensing performance are performed using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed sensor shows maximum amplitude sensitivity of 418 Refractive Index Units (RIU−1) with resolution as high as 2.4 × 10−5 RIU. Using the wavelength interrogation method, a maximum refractive index (RI) sensitivity of 3000 nm/RIU in the sensing range of 1.46–1.49 is achieved. The proposed sensor is suitable for detecting various high RI chemicals, biochemical and organic chemical analytes. Additionally, the effects of fiber structural parameters on the properties of plasmonic excitation are investigated and optimized for sensing performance as well as reducing the sensor’s footprint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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871 KiB  
Article
Immunity to Laser Power Variation in a DFB Diode Laser Based Optical Gas Sensor Using a Division Process
by Hengtai Chang, Jun Chang, Qingjie Huang, Qiang Wang, Changbin Tian, Wei Wei and Yuanyuan Liu
Sensors 2015, 15(4), 9582-9591; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150409582 - 22 Apr 2015
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6149
Abstract
The division process used in a DFB diode laser-based optical gas sensor was studied to improve the immunity to laser power variation. Residual amplitude modulation (RAM) in wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) detection was eliminated by intensity normalization using a division process. As a [...] Read more.
The division process used in a DFB diode laser-based optical gas sensor was studied to improve the immunity to laser power variation. Residual amplitude modulation (RAM) in wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) detection was eliminated by intensity normalization using a division process. As a result the detected harmonic signals showed a significant improvement in line shape. For the first harmonic (1f) signal, Bias was improved from 38.7% to 1.2%; Baseline Difference was improved from 2.7% to 0.69% and Asymmetry was improved from 15.4% to 0.22%. For the second harmonic (2f) signal, the Asymmetry Coefficient was improved from 103% to 5.1%. Moreover the division process can further suppress the influence of unstable laser power. As a result, for the 1f signal, stable detection with a variation coefficient of 0.59% was obtained over a wide dynamic range (0.38–8.1 mW). For the 2f signal, stable detection with a variation coefficient of 0.53% was obtained from 0.64 mW to 8.27 mW. The test results showed a good agreement with the theoretical analysis and the proposed method has considerable potential application in gas sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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610 KiB  
Article
Development and Beam-Shape Analysis of an Integrated Fiber-Optic Confocal Probe for High-Precision Central Thickness Measurement of Small-Radius Lenses
by Boonsong Sutapun, Armote Somboonkaew, Ratthasart Amarit and Sataporn Chanhorm
Sensors 2015, 15(4), 8512-8526; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150408512 - 13 Apr 2015
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6283
Abstract
This work describes a new design of a fiber-optic confocal probe suitable for measuring the central thicknesses of small-radius optical lenses or similar objects. The proposed confocal probe utilizes an integrated camera that functions as a shape-encoded position-sensing device. The confocal signal for [...] Read more.
This work describes a new design of a fiber-optic confocal probe suitable for measuring the central thicknesses of small-radius optical lenses or similar objects. The proposed confocal probe utilizes an integrated camera that functions as a shape-encoded position-sensing device. The confocal signal for thickness measurement and beam-shape data for off-axis measurement can be simultaneously acquired using the proposed probe. Placing the probe’s focal point off-center relative to a sample’s vertex produces a non-circular image at the camera’s image plane that closely resembles an ellipse for small displacements. We were able to precisely position the confocal probe’s focal point relative to the vertex point of a ball lens with a radius of 2.5 mm, with a lateral resolution of 1.2 µm. The reflected beam shape based on partial blocking by an aperture was analyzed and verified experimentally. The proposed confocal probe offers a low-cost, high-precision technique, an alternative to a high-cost three-dimensional surface profiler, for tight quality control of small optical lenses during the manufacturing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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904 KiB  
Article
Monitoring of Low Levels of Furfural in Power Transformer Oil with a Sensor System Based on a POF-MIP Platform
by Nunzio Cennamo, Letizia De Maria, Girolamo D'Agostino, Luigi Zeni and Maria Pesavento
Sensors 2015, 15(4), 8499-8511; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150408499 - 13 Apr 2015
Cited by 77 | Viewed by 8191
Abstract
In this work an innovative, miniaturized and low cost optical chemical sensor (POF-MIP platform), based on a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) and surface plasmon resonance in a plastic optical fiber (POF), is presented and preliminarily tested for monitoring of furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde) in transformer [...] Read more.
In this work an innovative, miniaturized and low cost optical chemical sensor (POF-MIP platform), based on a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) and surface plasmon resonance in a plastic optical fiber (POF), is presented and preliminarily tested for monitoring of furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde) in transformer oil. To this end, the optical platform was coupled to an MIP layer, highly selective for furfural. The ability of the developed sensor to directly detect furfural in the insulating oil was investigated. The detection limit of the sensor has been found to be 9 ppb, with a linear response up to about 30 ppb. However there is a sensible response up to 0.15 ppm. Because of the small linearity range, the Hill equation is suggested for the quantification. The sensor has been effectively tested in real oil samples collected from aged electrical equipment removed from service. The assessed concentration of furfural is in good agreement with that evaluated by a high pressure liquid chromatography (HLPC) method, confirming the good selectivity of the proposed sensor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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744 KiB  
Article
Noninvasive and Real-Time Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Thermometry
by Pengfei Zhang, Le Liu, Yonghong He, Yanfei Zhou, Yanhong Ji and Hui Ma
Sensors 2015, 15(4), 8481-8498; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150408481 - 13 Apr 2015
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5737
Abstract
In this paper, the noninvasive and real-time plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) thermometry is reported theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Owing to the enhanced evanescent field and thermal shield effect of its dielectric layer, a PWR thermometer permits accurate temperature sensing and has a wide [...] Read more.
In this paper, the noninvasive and real-time plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) thermometry is reported theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Owing to the enhanced evanescent field and thermal shield effect of its dielectric layer, a PWR thermometer permits accurate temperature sensing and has a wide dynamic range. A temperature measurement sensitivity of 9.4 × 10−3 °C is achieved and the thermo optic coefficient nonlinearity is measured in the experiment. The measurement of water cooling processes distributed in one dimension reveals that a PWR thermometer allows real-time temperature sensing and has potential to be applied for thermal gradient analysis. Apart from this, the PWR thermometer has the advantages of low cost and simple structure, since our transduction scheme can be constructed with conventional optical components and commercial coating techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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1378 KiB  
Article
Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Based Trace Gas Sensors Using Different Quartz Tuning Forks
by Yufei Ma, Guang Yu, Jingbo Zhang, Xin Yu, Rui Sun and Frank K. Tittel
Sensors 2015, 15(4), 7596-7604; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150407596 - 27 Mar 2015
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6801
Abstract
A sensitive trace gas sensor platform based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is reported. A 1.395 μm continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback pigtailed diode laser was used as the excitation source and H2O was selected as the target analyte. Two kinds [...] Read more.
A sensitive trace gas sensor platform based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is reported. A 1.395 μm continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback pigtailed diode laser was used as the excitation source and H2O was selected as the target analyte. Two kinds of quartz tuning forks (QTFs) with a resonant frequency (f0) of 30.72 kHz and 38 kHz were employed for the first time as an acoustic wave transducer, respectively for QEPAS instead of a standard QTF with a f0 of 32.768 kHz. The QEPAS sensor performance using the three different QTFs was experimentally investigated and theoretically analyzed. A minimum detection limit of 5.9 ppmv and 4.3 ppmv was achieved for f0 of 32.768 kHz and 30.72 kHz, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2502 KiB  
Article
Bio-Optics Based Sensation Imaging for Breast Tumor Detection Using Tissue Characterization
by Jong-Ha Lee, Yoon Nyun Kim and Hee-Jun Park
Sensors 2015, 15(3), 6306-6323; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150306306 - 16 Mar 2015
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5377
Abstract
The tissue inclusion parameter estimation method is proposed to measure the stiffness as well as geometric parameters. The estimation is performed based on the tactile data obtained at the surface of the tissue using an optical tactile sensation imaging system (TSIS). A forward [...] Read more.
The tissue inclusion parameter estimation method is proposed to measure the stiffness as well as geometric parameters. The estimation is performed based on the tactile data obtained at the surface of the tissue using an optical tactile sensation imaging system (TSIS). A forward algorithm is designed to comprehensively predict the tactile data based on the mechanical properties of tissue inclusion using finite element modeling (FEM). This forward information is used to develop an inversion algorithm that will be used to extract the size, depth, and Young's modulus of a tissue inclusion from the tactile data. We utilize the artificial neural network (ANN) for the inversion algorithm. The proposed estimation method was validated by a realistic tissue phantom with stiff inclusions. The experimental results showed that the proposed estimation method can measure the size, depth, and Young's modulus of a tissue inclusion with 0.58%, 3.82%, and 2.51% relative errors, respectively. The obtained results prove that the proposed method has potential to become a useful screening and diagnostic method for breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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429 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous 2D Strain Sensing Using Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings
by Manuel Rosenberger, Waltraud Eisenbeil, Bernhard Schmauss and Ralf Hellmann
Sensors 2015, 15(2), 4264-4272; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150204264 - 12 Feb 2015
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6739
Abstract
We demonstrate the application of polymer planar Bragg gratings for multi-axial strain sensing and particularly highlight simultaneous 2D strain measurement. A polymer planar Bragg grating (PPBG) fabricated with a single writing step in bulk polymethylmethacrylate is used for measuring both tensile and compressive [...] Read more.
We demonstrate the application of polymer planar Bragg gratings for multi-axial strain sensing and particularly highlight simultaneous 2D strain measurement. A polymer planar Bragg grating (PPBG) fabricated with a single writing step in bulk polymethylmethacrylate is used for measuring both tensile and compressive strain at various angles. It is shown that the sensitivity of the PPBG strongly depends on the angle between the optical waveguide into which the grating is inscribed and the direction along which the mechanical load is applied. Additionally, a 2D PPBG fabricated by writing two Bragg gratings angularly displaced from each other into a single polymer platelet is bonded to a stainless steel plate. The two reflected wavelengths exhibit different sensitivities while tested toward tensile and compressive strain. These characteristics make 2D PPBG suitable for measuring multi-axial tensile and compressive strain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2801 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Insulator Contaminations Revealed by Daily Observations of Equivalent Salt Deposit Density
by Ling Ruan, Ge Han, Zhongmin Zhu, Miao Zhang and Wei Gong
Sensors 2015, 15(2), 3023-3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150203023 - 29 Jan 2015
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5365
Abstract
The accurate estimation of deposits adhering on insulators is of great significance to prevent pollution flashovers which cause huge costs worldwide. Researchers have developed sensors using different technologies to monitor insulator contamination on a fine time scale. However, there is lack of analysis [...] Read more.
The accurate estimation of deposits adhering on insulators is of great significance to prevent pollution flashovers which cause huge costs worldwide. Researchers have developed sensors using different technologies to monitor insulator contamination on a fine time scale. However, there is lack of analysis of these data to reveal spatial and temporal characteristics of insulator contamination, and as a result the scheduling of periodical maintenance of power facilities is highly dependent on personal experience. Owing to the deployment of novel sensors, daily Equivalent Salt Deposit Density (ESDD) observations of over two years were collected and analyzed for the first time. Results from 16 sites distributed in four regions of Hubei demonstrated that spatial heterogeneity can be seen at both the fine and coarse geographical scales, suggesting that current polluted area maps are necessary but are not sufficient conditions to guide the maintenance of power facilities. Both the local emission and the regional air pollution condition exert evident influences on deposit accumulation. A relationship between ESDD and PM10 was revealed by using regression analysis, proving that air pollution exerts influence on pollution accumulations on insulators. Moreover, the seasonality of ESDD was discovered for the first time by means of time series analysis, which could help engineers select appropriate times to clean the contamination. Besides, the trend component shows that the ESDD increases in a negative exponential fashion with the accumulation date (ESDD = a − b × exp(−time)) at a long time scale in real environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2313 KiB  
Article
Frequency Noise Suppression of a Single Mode Laser with an Unbalanced Fiber Interferometer for Subnanometer Interferometry
by Radek Šmíd, Martin Čížek, Břetislav Mikel and Ondřej Číp
Sensors 2015, 15(1), 1342-1353; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150101342 - 12 Jan 2015
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6685
Abstract
We present a method of noise suppression of laser diodes by an unbalanced Michelson fiber interferometer. The unstabilized laser source is represented by compact planar waveguide external cavity laser module, ORIONTM (Redfern Integrated Optics, Inc.), working at 1540.57 nm with a 1.5-kHz linewidth. [...] Read more.
We present a method of noise suppression of laser diodes by an unbalanced Michelson fiber interferometer. The unstabilized laser source is represented by compact planar waveguide external cavity laser module, ORIONTM (Redfern Integrated Optics, Inc.), working at 1540.57 nm with a 1.5-kHz linewidth. We built up the unbalanced Michelson interferometer with a 2.09 km-long arm based on the standard telecommunication single-mode fiber (SMF-28) spool to suppress the frequency noise by the servo-loop control by 20 dB to 40 dB within the Fourier frequency range, remaining the tuning range of the laser frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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5048 KiB  
Article
A Sensor-Type PC Strand with an Embedded FBG Sensor for Monitoring Prestress Forces
by Sung Tae Kim, YoungHwan Park, Sung Yong Park, Keunhee Cho and Jeong-Rae Cho
Sensors 2015, 15(1), 1060-1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150101060 - 08 Jan 2015
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 6604
Abstract
Prestressed Concrete Wire and Strand (PC) strands are the most used materials to introduce prestress in a Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) structure. However, it is difficult to evaluate the final prestress force of the PC strand after prestressing or its residual prestress force after [...] Read more.
Prestressed Concrete Wire and Strand (PC) strands are the most used materials to introduce prestress in a Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) structure. However, it is difficult to evaluate the final prestress force of the PC strand after prestressing or its residual prestress force after completion of the structure on site. This impossibility to assess eventual loss of prestress of the PC strand has resulted in a number of serious accidents and even in the collapse of several structures. This situation stresses the necessity to maintain the prestress force residual or after prestressing for the evaluation of the health of the concrete structure throughout its lifespan. Recently, several researchers have studied methods enabling one to verify the prestress force by inserting an optical fiber sensor inside the strand but failed to provide simple techniques for the fabrication of these devices to fulfill measurement performance from the design prestress to failure. Moreover, these methods require the additional installation of electrical resistance strain gages, displacement sensors and load cells on the outer surface of the structure for long-term precise measurement. This paper proposes a method enabling one to evaluate precisely and effectively the prestress force of the PC strand and intends to verify the applicability of the proposed method on actual concrete structures. To that end, an innovative PC strand is developed by embedding a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor in the core wire of the PC strand so as to enable short term as well as long term monitoring. The measurement performance of the developed strand is then evaluated experimentally and the reliability of the monitoring data is assessed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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1392 KiB  
Article
All-Optical Graphene Oxide Humidity Sensors
by Weng Hong Lim, Yuen Kiat Yap, Wu Yi Chong and Harith Ahmad
Sensors 2014, 14(12), 24329-24337; https://doi.org/10.3390/s141224329 - 17 Dec 2014
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 7391
Abstract
The optical characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) were explored to design and fabricate a GO-based optical humidity sensor. GO film was coated onto a SU8 polymer channel waveguide using the drop-casting technique. The proposed sensor shows a high TE-mode absorption at 1550 nm. [...] Read more.
The optical characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) were explored to design and fabricate a GO-based optical humidity sensor. GO film was coated onto a SU8 polymer channel waveguide using the drop-casting technique. The proposed sensor shows a high TE-mode absorption at 1550 nm. Due to the dependence of the dielectric properties of the GO film on water content, this high TE-mode absorption decreases when the ambient relative humidity increases. The proposed sensor shows a rapid response (<1 s) to periodically interrupted humid air flow. The transmission of the proposed sensor shows a linear response of 0.553 dB/% RH in the range of 60% to 100% RH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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2394 KiB  
Article
A High Sensitivity and Wide Dynamic Range Fiber-Optic Sensor for Low-Concentration VOC Gas Detection
by Md. Rajibur Rahaman Khan and Shin-Won Kang
Sensors 2014, 14(12), 23321-23336; https://doi.org/10.3390/s141223321 - 05 Dec 2014
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9862
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensing system with high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range that is based on the principle of the heterodyne frequency modulation method. According to this method, the time period of the sensing [...] Read more.
In this paper, we propose a volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensing system with high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range that is based on the principle of the heterodyne frequency modulation method. According to this method, the time period of the sensing signal shift when Nile Red containing a VOC-sensitive membrane of a fiber-optic sensing element comes into contact with a VOC. This sensing membrane produces strong, fast and reversible signals when exposed to VOC gases. The response and recovery times of the proposed sensing system were less than 35 s, and good reproducibility and accuracy were obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

1095 KiB  
Review
Review of Trackside Monitoring Solutions: From Strain Gages to Optical Fibre Sensors
by Georges Kouroussis, Christophe Caucheteur, Damien Kinet, Georgios Alexandrou, Olivier Verlinden and Véronique Moeyaert
Sensors 2015, 15(8), 20115-20139; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150820115 - 14 Aug 2015
Cited by 99 | Viewed by 13048
Abstract
A review of recent research on structural monitoring in railway industry is proposed in this paper, with a special focus on stress-based solutions. After a brief analysis of the mechanical behaviour of ballasted railway tracks, an overview of the most common monitoring techniques [...] Read more.
A review of recent research on structural monitoring in railway industry is proposed in this paper, with a special focus on stress-based solutions. After a brief analysis of the mechanical behaviour of ballasted railway tracks, an overview of the most common monitoring techniques is presented. A special attention is paid on strain gages and accelerometers for which the accurate mounting position on the track is requisite. These types of solution are then compared to another modern approach based on the use of optical fibres. Besides, an in-depth discussion is made on the evolution of numerical models that investigate the interaction between railway vehicles and tracks. These models are used to validate experimental devices and to predict the best location(s) of the sensors. It is hoped that this review article will stimulate further research activities in this continuously expanding field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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1568 KiB  
Review
Fibre Optic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Aircraft Composite Structures: Recent Advances and Applications
by Raffaella Di Sante
Sensors 2015, 15(8), 18666-18713; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150818666 - 30 Jul 2015
Cited by 529 | Viewed by 38060
Abstract
In-service structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures plays a key role in the assessment of their performance and integrity. In recent years, Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) have proved to be a potentially excellent technique for real-time in-situ monitoring of these structures due [...] Read more.
In-service structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures plays a key role in the assessment of their performance and integrity. In recent years, Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) have proved to be a potentially excellent technique for real-time in-situ monitoring of these structures due to their numerous advantages, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size, light weight, durability, and high bandwidth, which allows a great number of sensors to operate in the same system, and the possibility to be integrated within the material. However, more effort is still needed to bring the technology to a fully mature readiness level. In this paper, recent research and applications in structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures using FOS have been critically reviewed, considering both the multi-point and distributed sensing techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Chemical, Biological and Industrial Applications)
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