Electroluminescence-coupled optical fiber chemical sensors

A series of devices are described which blend together the wave guide properties of optical fibers and the phenomenon of electroluminescence. Each optical sensor has a pair of platinum electrodes near to the fiber face. In many conventional fiber optic sensor systems the fiber acts as a two way light guide, but in this novel system, light is generated at the anode electrode reflector plate placed opposite the fiber end, there is no need for a primary light source as in the colorimetric or photoluminescence mode of operation. The cathode electrode is a circular ring of platinum around the fiber base. This electrode configuration produces a symmetrical electric field about the fiber end, the active sensor region of the system. However, the system may be used in the two way light guide mode, in this case photo coupled electroluminescence may be generated. Another system described uses a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer coupled to the anode electrode. The operation of each system is characterized using the model hydrogen peroxide/luminol reaction.