Concurrent imaging and sensing using a single optical imaging fiber

A sensor capable of simultaneous imaging and pH measurements has been prepared by coating the distal tip of a single imaging fiber with a pH sensitive material. The coated fiber is fabricated using photochemical polymerization with a spin coating technique and results in a fairly uniform coating of polyHEMA/fluorescein on the order of 5 micrometers thick. Performance data and imaging capabilities, as well as instrumentation requirements and deposition chemistry, will be discussed. Progress towards the fabrication of enzyme based biosensors utilizing this technique will also be presented.