Projects / Programmes
Fluidic and micro-fluidic fiber-optic sensors
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.15.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Metrology |
Sensors and data acquisition |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P200 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Electromagnetism, optics, acoustics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
Optical fibers, optical fiber sensors, Fabry-Perot, micromachining, microfluidics
Researchers (12)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The proposed project proposal comprises research in the field of opto-fluidic sensors and corresponding signal interrogation units. The main objective of the project is to investigate, propose and demonstrate new types of fiber-optic sensor for measurement and detection of fluid-flow, fluid level, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy in liquids, and gas analysis. In addition, special attention will be devoted to the research of entirely new sensor concepts that will include optical fiber based sensors for determination of fluid’s viscosisty, density and bioling-point.
Concerning flowmeters, different approaches for fully electrically passive fluid-flow measurements will be investigated. These approaches will include optically heated and monitored “hot-micro-wires”, fluid-dynamic force detection, and micro-fiber-optic pitot tubes. Compact all-fiber fluid flow sensors are expected to be outcome of this investigation. Special emphasis will be given to microfluidic versions and measurements in regime of low Reighley numbers.
Two approaches for fluid level measurements will be investigated: a) all-optical fluid level sensors based on thermo-optic effects using optically absorbing optical fibers and b) fluid level sensors based on all-fiber differential pressure sensors. The objective is to create a full electrically passive fiber-optic level measurements system that is cost-competitive in respect to existing electric based solutions.
Miniature all-fiber absorption microcells with long interaction lengths will be investigated and created to provide versatile sensing structures for spectroscopic analysis of liquids. All-silica microcells with interaction path-lengths up to several millimeters will be designed and will be compatible with broad spectral band, ranging from about 350 nm to 2000 nm. Microcells will allow for spectroscopic analysis of very small fluid volumes (down to few nanoliters). The proposed microcells will be compatible with cost-efficient fiber coupled spectrometers, as for example provided by OceanOptics or Hamamatsu. Special attention will be devoted to the micro-cell design that will allow for delivery of color test reagents into the microcell region, which will provide new base for creation of new class of micrfuidic sensors for on-line process control.
Sensors for measurements of refractive index (RI) with ultra-high resolution (between 10^-6 and 10^-8 RIU range) will be design to provide reliable measurement of binary gas mixtures and similar applications. Proper compensation schemes that are required to achieve high resolution will be investigated. Sensor design will base on all-silica microcells that exhibit high temperature stability. Differential sensing schemes using reference gas will be also studied to provide stable and reliable long term measurements. These sensors shall be suitable for inert gas mixtures identification, which are otherwise difficult to detect and distinguished. Furthermore sensors shall be capable of detecting presence of natural gas/propane/methane and volatile compounds in air in concretions that are below explosion limits. This part shall push RI measurements of the gases to their limits.
Moreover, parameters like kinematic viscosity and fluid boiling point, which are common in fluid characterization, but are particularly difficult for measurement by optical means, will be investigated and solutions will be sought out for realization in a form of fiber sensing technology.
Successful realization of proposed project shall provide new and considerably advance exciting fundamental sensor concepts, while paving a solid road towards potential industrial applications. With development of technologies that provide the possibility for more cost-effective implementation of sensor systems, based on novel specialty fibers and photonic devices, fiber optic sensors will gain much wider acceptance in the fields where cost or other characteristics presented a critical limitation (for e
Significance for science
A proposed project is aimed to develop of new fluidic and micro-fluidic sensors based on fiber-optic technology, which will lead to creation of new fundamental and also applied knowledge and sensing principles. Fluidic technologies have broad impact and applications on various fields of human actives, ranging from industrial production to health and medical system applications. Solution, which will be implemented within the frame of the present project, will enable new and economic approaches in the science, industry and medicine. These solutions will base on micromachining technologies and advanced optical fiber solutions. They will yield in development of new generation of optical-fiber-fluidic sensors, presenting an important contribution to the field of photonics, fluidic technology, microfluidics, biomedicine, and other technical fields that use or rely upon fluidic and optical sensing technologies. The proposed concepts are original in their design as well as in practical applicability, which will enable direct application of research results in potential industrial and other systems. New fluidic/waveguide structures created inside and on the tip of optical fibers will open the novel approaches for innovative opto-fluidic components applicable to numerous other areas of science and technology, where opto-fluidic systems are used. The results of this research work are expected to appear in prominent scientific journals and publications. Partners shall dedicate particular importance to the research leading to creation of new and also practically useful scientific concepts. Design and fabrication of early demonstrators and prototypes during project duration will help to demonstrate and evaluate these new approaches in laboratory and real environments, which may gave more direct way towards technology industrialization. The research work shall also focus on cooperation among local and global industrial partners with the aim of assuring better cooperation of scientific sphere with business sector.
Significance for the country
The importance of proposed research project for economy and society can be seen in two different perspectives: Firstly, in perspective of local business environment, the project will contribute to the development of industrial partner involved in the project, as well as other industrial partners that cooperate with members of the project group. It is expected that at least some of developed sensors concepts demonstrators/prototypes would be suitable for later conversion into marketable industrial products (assuming proper after-project applied research and product development phase). The participating industrial partner will thus gain possibility for sales of new products or half-products (optical fibers) for sensor production.
Furthermore, transfer of acquired knowledge into practical sensor applications and systems shall benefit to both direct project partners, as well to other, external partners that currently collaborate with applicants on similar projects. By the development of new generation of sensors, such business collaborations shall be further extended.
Research of doping technology using uncommon dopants and process for specialty optical fibers manufacturing shall provide new applied knowledge for future product and technology development in Optacore and possible development of new fabrication equipment and system for doping of optical fiber preforms and similar products, the area of development where Optacore is one of the main players globally currently.
Finally, positive economical results can be also expected on wider Slovenian level. Currently, the proposed project group is a unique group in Slovenia with profound and extensive knowledge of optical fiber technologies. This knowledge is essential for supporting growing interest in Slovenian business for development of applications based on photonic technologies, which provide economic growth and competitive industrial production. The proposed project shall therefore provide direct as well as indirect benefits to many Slovenian enterprises, which already use or want to use photonic or optical fiber based solutions. Project group members have already established cooperation with many of these companies.
After successful realization of the project, beneficial effects are also foreseen on the global level. With development of technologies that provide new sensing possibilitees and the possibility for more cost-effective implementation of sensor systems, based on novel specialty fibers and photonic devices, fiber optic sensing will gain much wider acceptance in the fields where cost or other performance limtiations presented a critical limitation (for example in process industry, micro-fluidics, biomedicine, automotive industry, etc.).
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
