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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

09:48
Fiber Optic Distributed Sensors for High-resolution Temperature Field Mapping
Published on: November 7, 2016
Optical Fiber Temperature Sensors and Their Biomedical Applications.
Paulo Roriz1, Susana Silva2, Orlando Frazão2,3
1CIDESD (ISMAI), N2i (IPMAIA), LABIOMEP (Porto Biomechanics Laboratory), 447-690 Maia, Portugal.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Optical fiber sensors offer unique advantages for real-time medical diagnostics. This review highlights recent advancements in temperature optical fiber sensors and their biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- The increasing use of sensors in healthcare enhances medical diagnostics and quality of life.
- Optical fiber sensors possess advantageous properties like small size, multiplexing capability, chemical inertness, and electromagnetic immunity.
- These sensors are suitable for diverse applications including structural health monitoring, biomedical instrumentation, and point-of-care diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent achievements in temperature optical fiber sensors.
- To examine different sensor configurations reported in the last five years.
- To explore the application of this technology in the biomedical field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of sensor configurations and performance metrics.
- Categorization of applications in biomedical settings.
Main Results:
- Optical fiber sensors demonstrate good linearity, rapid response for real-time monitoring, and high sensitivity.
- Significant progress has been made in developing advanced temperature optical fiber sensors.
- Numerous biomedical applications have been identified and validated.
Conclusions:
- Optical fiber sensors are highly attractive for biomedical applications due to their unique features.
- Continued research and development are expected to further expand their use in healthcare.
- This technology holds significant potential for improving medical diagnostics and patient care.
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Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...

