Performance-Enhanced Fiber-Optic Hydrogen Sensing Method Based on a Pd-Cu Alloy Microcantilever and a Reflective...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Early hydrogen monitoring is crucial for power equipment insulation systems to prevent failures.
• Existing sensors may lack sensitivity or robustness for real-world conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot (F-P) hydrogen sensor for early detection of hydrogen in power equipment.
• To leverage a Pd-Cu alloy microcantilever for enhanced hydrogen sensing performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an F-P sensor with a Pd-Cu alloy microcantilever and an Au reflective layer.
• Utilized wavelength-demodulation for hydrogen detection based on Pd-Cu volume expansion.
• Performed finite element analysis for structural optimization and conducted experimental validation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a linear response from 0-300 ppm hydrogen with a sensitivity of 20.8 pm/ppm and a limit of detection of 3.24 ppm.
• Demonstrated excellent stability (22.46 pm baseline fluctuation over 24h) and repeatability.
• Confirmed stable operation under varying temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic disturbances.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Pd-Cu alloy microcantilever F-P sensor is suitable for low-concentration hydrogen monitoring in power equipment.
• The sensor offers advantages like electromagnetic interference immunity, intrinsic safety, and miniaturization potential.
• This technology shows promise for enhancing the reliability and safety of power infrastructure.