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Miniaturized Optical Fiber Inline Interferometers for Chemical Sensing

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Advanced Photonic Structures for Biological and Chemical Detection

Part of the book series: Integrated Analytical Systems ((ANASYS))

Abstract

This chapter reviews the miniaturized optical fiber inline interferometers for chemical sensing based on the detection of composition variation induced refractive index changes. When used as chemical sensors, these miniaturized devices have the common advantages of small size, all-glass ruggedized structure, high sensitivity, fast response time, and large dynamic range. These advantages make them particularly attractive for real-world applications where, in situ, continuous monitoring is required. Specifically, two general types of interferometers are reviewed including the low-finesse Fabry-Perot interferometer and the core-cladding mode interferometer. The operation principles of these two types of interferometers are described. The signal processing methods are discussed. The representative structures, fabrication methods, and application examples of each interferometer type are provided with certain level of details. The advantages and disadvantages of each sensor structure are also highlighted in the discussions, with the hope that innovative researches will be stimulated to solve the technical challenges and explore future applications of these devices.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1870 Miner Circle, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA

    Hai Xiao & Tao Wei

Authors
  1. Hai Xiao
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  2. Tao Wei
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Biological Engineering, University of Missouri, 240D Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 E. Rollins St., 65211, Columbia, MO, USA

    Xudong Fan

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Xiao, H., Wei, T. (2009). Miniaturized Optical Fiber Inline Interferometers for Chemical Sensing. In: Fan, X. (eds) Advanced Photonic Structures for Biological and Chemical Detection. Integrated Analytical Systems. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-98063-8_7

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