Optical hydrogen sensor based on etched fiber Bragg grating sputtered with Pd/Ag composite film

A novel fiber optical fiber hydrogen sensor based on etched fiber Bragg grating coated with Pd/Ag composite film is proposed in this paper. Pd/Ag composite films were deposited on the side-face of etched fiber Bragg grating (FBG) as sensing elements by magnetron sputtering process. The atomic ratio of the two metals in Pd/Ag composite film is controlled at Pd:Ag = 76:24. Compared to standard FBG coated with same hydrogen sensitive film, etched FBG can significantly increase the sensor’s sensitivity. When hydrogen concentrations are 4% in volume percentage, the wavelength shifts of FBG-125 μm, FBG-38 μm and FBG-20.6 μm are 8, 23 and 40 pm respectively. The experimental results show the sensor’s hydrogen response is reversible, and the hydrogen sensor has great potential in hydrogen’s measurement.

► Etched FBG combined Pd/Ag composite films as sensing elements was first proposed.
► SEM results show that Pd/Ag composite film has good mechanical performance.
► Etched FBG can significantly increase the sensor’s sensitivity.
► FBG hydrogen sensors show linearity response for 1.5–4% hydrogen concentrations.
► The experimental results show the sensor’s hydrogen response is reversible.