TEMPERATURE SENSING BY SIDE COUPLING OF LIGHT THROUGH ZINC OXIDE NANORODS ON OPTICAL FIBERS

A temperature sensor fabricated by light side coupling through spirally patterned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods coated directly on plastic optical fiber (POF) is reported. A significant response to temperature changes from 20 °C to 100 °C based on extinction concept due to the attenuation of light by scattering and absorption was used. Sensitivity increases by a factor of 1.3 in spirally patterned coatings compared to optical fibers with continuous coating. The simplicity and economical sensor fabrication process for the swift and sensitive detection of temperature changes using visible light source show potential in environmental and biomedical applications.