An LED array-based light induced fluorescence sensor for real-time process and field monitoring

A compact and portable LED array-based fluorescence sensor for rapid real-time monitoring is described. The intensity-based sensing scheme is equipped with an array of LEDs to exploit the optical power “fluorescence advantage”. This dynamic excitation control broadens the detection capacity and provides tailored detection capabilities required for process manufacturing and field (environmental) applications. Each sensor contains a specific energy LED array and a suitable emission filter for the target native fluorophore of interest. Excitation parameter effects on the emission signal behavior, fundamental response functions, and standard analytical merits (sensitivity, detection limits, etc.) are discussed to highlight and benchmark the unique capabilities of this new sensor technology. Integrated smart sensing capabilities such as incident excitation source referencing and other complementary transducers (e.g., temperature and position) are also discussed within the context of modern real-time intrinsic fluorometry applications.