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A Wearable Breath Sensor Based on Fiber-Tip Microcantilever
Cong Zhao1,2, Dan Liu1,2, Zhihao Cai1,2
1Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
Biosensors
|March 24, 2022
Summary
This study introduces an all-fiber-optic wearable breath sensor immune to electromagnetic interference. The novel sensor accurately monitors respiration rate, even in challenging environments like MRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Sensing
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Respiration rate is a critical vital sign requiring monitoring in diverse conditions.
- Electromagnetic interference, such as from MRI systems, poses challenges for conventional sensors.
- There is a need for electromagnetically-immune breath-sensing solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an all-fiber-optic wearable breath sensor.
- To ensure electromagnetic immunity for respiration monitoring.
- To demonstrate reliable breath pattern detection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a fiber-tip microcantilever using two-photon polymerization.
- Integration of the microcantilever into a micro Fabry-Pérot (FP) interferometer.
- Detection of reflected light power variations to determine breath rate.
Main Results:
- Achieved high sensitivity of 0.8 nm/(m/s) for airflow detection.
- Demonstrated excellent thermal stability with low cross-sensitivity (0.095 (m/s)/°C).
- Successfully detected various breath patterns (normal, fast, random, deep) in a wearable mask.
Conclusions:
- The proposed fiber-optic breath sensor is electromagnetically immune.
- The sensor offers a reliable method for respiration rate monitoring in challenging environments.
- This technology has potential applications in medical monitoring, including within MRI settings.
