Daria Majchrowicz

Application of Thin ZnO ALD Layers in Fiber-Optic Fabry-Pérot Sensing Interferometers

In this paper we investigated the response of a fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot sensing interferometer with thin ZnO layers deposited on the end faces of the optical fibers forming the cavity. Standard telecommunication single-mode optical fiber (SMF-28) segments were used with the thin ZnO layers deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Measurements were performed with the interferometer illuminated by two broadband sources operating at 1300 nm and 1550 nm. Reflected interference signal was acquired by an optical spectrum analyzer while the length of the air cavity was varied. Thickness of the ZnO layers used in the experiments was 50 nm, 100 nm, and 200 nm. Uncoated SMF-28 fiber was also used as a reference. Based on the results of measurements, the thickness of the ZnO layers and the length of the cavity were selected in order to achieve good visibility. Following, the interferometer was used to determine the refractive index of selected liquids.

Low-Coherence Interferometric Fiber-Optic Sensors with Potential Applications as Biosensors

Fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot interferometers (FPI) can be applied as optical sensors, and excellent measurement sensitivity can be obtained by fine-tuning the interferometer design. In this work, we evaluate the ability of selected dielectric thin films to optimize the reflectivity of the Fabry-Pérot cavity. The spectral reflectance and transmittance of dielectric films made of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with thicknesses from 30 to 220 nm have been evaluated numerically and compared. TiO2 films were found to be the most promising candidates for the tuning of FPI reflectivity. In order to verify and illustrate the results of modelling, TiO2 films with the thickness of 80 nm have been deposited on the tip of a single-mode optical fiber by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The thickness, the structure, and the chemical properties of the films have been determined. The ability of the selected TiO2 films to modify the reflectivity of the Fabry-Pérot cavity, to provide protection of the fibers from aggressive environments, and to create multi-cavity interferometric sensors in FPI has then been studied. The presented sensor exhibits an ability to measure refractive index in the range close to that of silica glass fiber, where sensors without reflective films do not work, as was demonstrated by the measurement of the refractive index of benzene. This opens up the prospects of applying the investigated sensor in biosensing, which we confirmed by measuring the refractive index of hemoglobin and glucose.

Nanolayers in Fiber-Optic Biosensing

Abstract In this chapter, fiber-optic sensors based on nanolayers or thin films and their ability to perform biophotonic measurements is presented. In the last decade, fiber-optic sensors have gained popularity as biosensing devices. This has been made possible because of the design and the integration of new materials in fiber-optic technology. Nanolayers and thin films made from various materials such as nanodiamond (NCD), boron-doped nanodiamond (B-NCD), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) have been successfully applied in the construction of fiber-optic sensors. NCD and B-NCD have been synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, while oxide- and nitride-based thin films were designed using atomic layer deposition. These nanolayers and thin films have been widely used in fiber-optic sensor technology as a protective coating, reflective layers, and/or as a sensing medium.

Nitrogen-Doped Diamond Film for Optical Investigation of Hemoglobin Concentration

In this work we present the fabrication and characterization of a diamond film which can be utilized in the construction of optical sensors for the investigation of biological samples. We produced a nitrogen-doped diamond (NDD) film using a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD) system. The NDD film was investigated with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The NDD film was used in the construction of the fiber optic sensor. This sensor is based on the Fabry–Pérot interferometer working in a reflective mode and the NDD film is utilized as a reflective layer of this interferometer. Application of the NDD film allowed us to obtain the sensor of hemoglobin concentration with linear work characteristics with a correlation coefficient (R2) equal to 0.988.

Diamond-based protective layer for optical biosensors

Optical biosensors have become a powerful alternative to the conventional ways of measurement owing to their great properties, such as high sensitivity, high dynamic range, cost effectiveness and small size. Choice of an optical biosensors materials is an important factor and impacts the quality of the obtained spectra. Examined biological objects are placed on a cover layer which may react with samples in a chemical, biological and mechanical way, therefore having a negative impact on the measurement reliability. Diamond, a metastable allotrope of carbon with sp3 hybridization, shows outstanding properties such as: great chemical stability, bio-compatibility, high thermal conductivity, wide bandgap and optical transparency. Additionally it possesses great mechanical durability, which makes it a long-lasting material. The protective diamond thin films were deposited on the substrate using Microwave Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (MW PA CVD) system. The surface morphology and roughness was assessed with atomic force microscopy and profilometry. We have performed a series of measurements to assess the biocompatibility of diamond thin films with whole blood. The results show that thin diamond protective layer does not affect the red blood cells, while retaining the sensors high resolution and dynamic range of measurement. Therefore, we conclude that diamond thin films are a viable protective coating for optical biosensors, which allows to examine many biological elements. We project that it can be particularly useful not only for biological objects but also under extreme conditions like radioactive or chemically aggressive environments and high temperatures.

Support for Employees with ASD in the Workplace Using a Bluetooth Skin Resistance Sensor–A Preliminary Study

The application of a Bluetooth skin resistance sensor in assisting people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), in their day-to-day work, is presented in this paper. The design and construction of the device are discussed. The authors have considered the best placement of the sensor, on the body, to gain the most accurate readings of user stress levels, under various conditions. Trial tests were performed on a group of sixteen people to verify the correct functioning of the device. Resistance levels were compared to those from the reference system. The placement of the sensor has also been determined, based on wearer convenience. With the Bluetooth Low Energy block, users can be notified immediately about their abnormal stress levels via a smartphone application. This can help people with ASD, and those who work with them, to facilitate stress control and make necessary adjustments to their work environment.

Optical-Spectrometry-Based Method for Immunosuppressant Medicine Level Detection in Aqueous Solutions

In this paper, an investigation into detecting immunosuppressive medicine in aqueous solutions using a spectrometry-based technique is described. Using optical transmissive spectrometry, absorbance measurements in the spectra range from 250 nm to 1000 nm were carried out for different cyclosporine A (CsA) concentrations in aqueous solutions. The experiment was conducted for samples both with and without interferent substances—glucose and sodium chloride. Using a dedicated algorithm, the measured data was analyzed and a high correlation coefficient R2 = 0.8647 was achieved. The experiment showed that the described technique allowed for the detection of various CsA concentration levels in a selective, label-free and simple way. This method could be used in medicine, veterinary medicine and laboratory diagnostics.

Detection of immunological agent by optical fiber sensor: preliminary study

The objective of this study is the application of optical methods for detection of immunological agent concentration. As the agent we used the Cyclaid, produced by Apotex Inc. In this article we investigated different Cyclaid concentrations in water. We used a Fabry-Pérot interferometer working in a reflective mode, the measurements were performed with source with central wavelength λ = 1550 nm. The preliminary investigation have shown that the Fabry-Pérot interferometer can be used to study the Cyclaid concentration.

Nitrogen-doped diamond thin films: potential application in Fabry-Pérot interferometer

In this paper we present results of preliminary research of using nitrogen-doped diamond (NDD) films as reflective layer in Fabry-Pérot interferometer. NDD films were deposited on Si substrates by Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPECVD) with the use of CH4, H2 and N2 gas mixtures. During deposition process methane flow rate varied while nitrogen flow was constant. We performed series of measurements which showed that NDD can be used as a mirror in Fabry-Pérot interferometer. The best signal visibility and repeatability of measurements were obtained for sample made with 3 sccm methane flow rate.

The silver layers in fiber-optic sensors

In this paper a method of deposition of the silver layers on the surface of an optical fiber was proposed. The optical properties and surface quality of the silver layer was examined by optical microscopy. The reflection and transmission of the sample were investigated. To investigate the quality the silver mirror it was placed in a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometer and the quality of the spectra was analyzed. The commercial mirror was used as a reference reflective layer. Our studies confirm that the silver layer obtained in laboratory can be used for the application in the fiber-optic sensor and it is just as good as commercial mirror.