Development of an optical fibre sensor system for online monitoring of microwave plasma UV and ozone generation system

An optical fibre sensor system is being developed to monitor the outputs of a microwave-generated plasma UV lamp, capable of producing germicidal UV and ozone gas simultaneously, for use in food treatment. Optical fibres offer the advantage of allowing for remote monitoring of the measurement site. The fibres are not affected by high electromagnetic fields and the control electronics can be kept away from such a harsh environment, making them an ideal choice for the monitoring of the microwave radiation device. The sensor system monitors UV intensity at 254 nm and also ozone gas concentrations, based on the Beer-Lambert Law for absorption spectroscopy.