NO2 detection with a fiber optic evanescent wave sensor

A novel approach for the detection of nitrogen dioxide gas is described. This optical fiber based sensor (FOS) works on the principal of evanescent wave (EW) absorption phenomenon. EWs at the uncladded portion of a multimode fiber is utilized for the senor development by replacing this region with a coating of Metallophthalocyanine, which is thermally deposited at a reduced pressure. MPcs are very sensitive to NO2 gas and there is a change in the EW absorption in the NO2 environment. Compared to other gas sensing devices, this is highly sensitive technique. The attraction of this FOS is its simple architecture and the easiness to implement.