Optimizing sensor design for polymer fibre optic oxygen sensors

In this paper, the development of a clinically useful fibre-optic oxygen sensor based on oxygen fluorescence quenching is described. The oxygen sensor tip was formed by coating a tapered polymer optical fibre with a thin film polymer matrix containing an oxygen sensitive fluorophore. The sensitivity and time response of the oxygen sensors were modified using different polymer matrices. Using this technique, a T
₉₀
response time typically less than 100ms could be readily achieved.