Innovative prototype of a zinc-oxide based optical gas sensor

A zinc-oxide based optical sensor is realized. This prototype is based on the properties of Bragg reflectors, first the measurement principles are described then the experimental results are presented. This sensor has proven to be sensitive and reliable in the case of detecting low concentrations of butane. The sensor is stabilized and desorbed by a flow of nitrogen. In the case of methane detection, the use of nitrogen was found inappropriate, ambient air has proven to be more suitable.