Development of optical fiber polymer interface for immobilized sensors

Fiber optical chemical sensors are a field of growing importance with diversified applications in oceanography, chemical process, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. The objective of this study is to develop the technology to support specific analytical reagents on polymeric membranes for fiber optical sensors. A three layered method has been developed to coat a hydrophilic polymer matrix on an optical fiber and to incorporate indicator dyes. pH sensitive dyes have been used as a test case. This paper reports on the development of optimal synthetic conditions of the polymer matrix relative to the fiber polymer matrix interface, light transparency, thermal and mechanical stability. The flexibility of the system to incorporate other indicators is also presented and discussed.