Background

According to the market reports, the global photonic sensor market is predicted to have a quantum shift over the next few years. This surge in demand can be attributed to factors such as innovation in the field of fibre optics and expanding the spectral use of sensors in varied industries. The growth of the Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors is one of the most exciting developments in the field of fibre optic sensors in recent years. Compared with conventional fibre-optic sensors, FBG sensors have a number of distinguishing advantages, which makes it a popular choice among many industries. The researchers at the City, university of London have explored this technology extensively to produce a number of FBG-based sensors, including humidity and temperature sensors, which have been recognized by a number of industrial sectors.

Technology Overview

The fibre grating acts as the basis of the Relative Humidity (RH) sensor design and the humidity sensing concept exploits the strain effect induced in a FBG through the swelling of a thin layer of applied polymer coating. The swelling of the polymer coating, arising from the absorption of moisture, changes the Bragg wavelength of the FBG, where this can be calibrated to give a direct indication of the humidity level.

Benefits

Compared to the electrical humidity sensors commercially available, the optical humidity sensor has shown the key technological advantages with suitable applications highlighted below:

Immunity to electromagnetic (EM) interference
Wide sensing range
Consistence performance
Insensitive to chemical attacks
Small size and light weight
Multiplexing: allowing for simultaneous measurement of multi-points and multi-parameters using one single length of an optical fibre.
This is suitable for monitoring both small and large-scale structures/materials to provide a profile of the moisture/temperature pattern required.

Applications

The technology can be used in Water and waste water treatment, Security, food industry, Healthcare, Telecommunication, Biotechnology, Aerospace, Energy sector (Oil and gas energy), Smart home, etc

Opportunity

This technology is entering the early commercialisation stages of its development. The prototype is available. Collaborative engagement is actively being sought currently from relevant industries and potential developers as a critical part of the commercialisation process.

Optical Fibre Sensor: Humidity & Temperature Sensor

IP Status

Seeking