Silica and polymeric fiber optic refractometric sensor probes: Performance evaluation

Silica and polymeric (GOF and POF) based U-bent fiber optic sensor probes are an excellent candidate for low-cost refractive index (RI) based sensors. GOF is expensive and fragile but stable, while POF is contradictory. To evaluate the relative advantages and limitations of the GOF and POF sensor probes with respect to RI measurements, a detailed study is carried out. Measurement reproducibility and temperature stability of the RI sensor probes were investigated using a compact, hand-held fiber-optic refractometer for real-time monitoring, developed in-house. POF probes show a wider measurement range with higher deviation and poorer temperature stability with respect to GOF.