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Optics-mechanics synergistic fiber optic sensor for hydrogen detection
Optics Express
|October 15, 2022
Summary
A novel fiber optic hydrogen sensor using palladium (Pd) nanofilm offers a safe, compact solution for detecting hydrogen gas. This reusable sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and rapid response times, crucial for energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Sensor Technology
- Energy Science
Background:
- Hydrogen energy is a promising carbon-free alternative to address the global energy crisis.
- Safe utilization of hydrogen necessitates reliable hydrogen sensors due to its high combustibility.
- Optical hydrogen sensors offer advantages like intrinsic safety and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, all-optical fiber optic hydrogen sensor.
- To leverage palladium (Pd) nanofilm for enhanced hydrogen detection.
- To create a synergistic optics-mechanics design for improved sensor performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a miniature fiber optic sensor integrating Pd nanofilm.
- Utilizing an optics-mechanics synergistic strategy for signal transduction.
- Characterization of sensor performance including response range, sensitivity, and response/recovery times.
Main Results:
- The sensor exhibits a wide response range (0.5%-3.5%) and high sensitivity (-0.334 nm/1% concentration).
- Achieved rapid response (10s) and recovery (25s) times.
- Demonstrated reusability, durability, and low-temperature sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor provides a compact, all-optical solution for safe hydrogen concentration measurement.
- The optics-mechanics synergistic strategy effectively converts Pd lattice expansion into optical signals.
- The sensor is suitable for hazardous or space-limited environments requiring intrinsic safety.
