Optical sensors for the process industries

A number of aspects of the rapidly expanding field of fiber optic sensors are reviewed. The work focuses upon a review of the diversity of sensor systems and the markets related to the needs for new instrumentation systems, including fiber optics. An instrumental perspective for process control and analysis is given, together with representative examples of the technology used to make sophisticated measurements. The questions of data transmission and the environment are considered, and future directions for the technology and sensor research and investment are considered.