Second-harmonic laser-coupled optical fiber sensor for pH measurement and corrosion detection based on evanescent field absorption

In the present paper, a laser-coupled optical fiber is introduced for pH sensing of Methyl red solution in the Ethanol solvent. Then it is modified for corrosion detection when it was placed inside a corrosive solution. Second-harmonic (SH) radiation of a microchip Q-switched pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at λ=532 nm is generated via KTP nonlinear crystal, and it is launched into the fabricated fiber sensor. The provided evanescent field is absorbed by the surrounding environment in the sensing region, and the output intensity of the absorbed laser beam is monitored and recorded in the presence of the different kind of solvents and corrosive solutions. To increase the sensitivity of the pH sensor the fiber-optic probe is coiled and fixed on a Poly Propylene (PP) mount with 6 cm diameter and 10 cm long. The fabricated sensor is then calibrated for pH measurement of unknown media. For corrosion detection, a spin motor is used to uniformly coat a small portion of the fiber designed as U-shaped after its clad was removed by a simple chemical method. It is then electroplated by a very thin Fe–C film to form a corrosion sensor. It is observed that while the concentration of the NH4Cl solution is changed from 0.068 to 0.125 mol/l and its pH from zero to 14, the output intensity of the launched laser is increased due to the Fe–C film corrosion.

► We introduced a laser-coupled optical fiber for pH measurement of chemical samples.
► Experimental results show it is capable for on-line and in situ monitoring with acceptable sensitivity and accuracy.
► The fiber is modified for corrosion detection.
► Good repeatability is observed, which makes it a very promise sensor for environmental inspection and protection.