Lead-insensitive fiber optic pH sensor and performance under bending

We have designed and tested a lead-insensitive fiber optic pH sensor that is based on the absorption of an indicator dye immobilized in a polymer bead. The fiber optic pH sensor uses two wavelengths; one senses the change in absorption of the indicator dye and the other provides a reference signal. In a view to desired time modulation and the dual wavelength time division multiplexing, we used light emitting diodes for sources, a phototransistor for the detector, and electronics process the detected signal. The sensor has demonstrated fast response, repeatable calibration, reversibility, and stability. This inexpensive device may also be used during bending of the optical fiber for applications in the field.