Development of an integrated optic oxygen sensor using a novel, generic platform

• Published in: Analyst (London) 2005-01, Vol.130 (1), p.41-45
• Main Authors: BURKE, Conor S, MCGAUGHEY, Orla, SABATTIE, Jean-Marc, BARRY, Henry, MCEVOY, Aisling K, MCDONAGH, Colette, MACCRAITH, Brian D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General, instrumentation
• ISSN: 0003-2654; 1364-5528
• DOI: 10.1039/b409814p

This paper describes the development of a generic platform for enhanced, integrated optic sensors based on fluorescence detection. The platform employs a novel optical configuration in order to achieve enhanced performance and has inherent multianalyte detection capability. The sensor element comprises a multimode ridge waveguide that has been patterned with an analyte-sensitive fluorescent spot, which is excited directly using a LED. The platform was applied to the detection of gaseous oxygen as a proof of principle. The sol-gel-derived sensor spots were doped with an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent dichlororuthenium dye complex and intensity-based calibration data were generated from the oxygen-dependent waveguide output. The sensor achieved a LOD of 0.62% and a resolution of less than 0.96% gaseous oxygen, which compares favourably with a similar, recently reported system. This device highlights the combination of inexpensive rapid prototyping techniques and a dedicated sensor enhancement strategy that together facilitate the production of an effective prototype sensor platform.