NSF Award
9860853
9860853 <br/> This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop and demonstrate a technology to make chemically selective ultra-sensitive absorption measurements using prepared fiber optic segments which can be used to monitor trace chemical concentrations in remote locations. The sensitivity of this new approach is hundreds of times greater than that which can currently be realized using conventional fiber optic probes, and can be arbitrarily increased by increasing the length of the sensing fiber. This proposal details the technical approach we will take in demonstrating the technique and describes the tests we will perform to show proof-of-principle.<br/> The commercial applications of the program technology will be in the monitoring and mapping of trace chemical species in ground water and storage facilities, as well as in chemical leak monitoring around chemical storage and production plants. This Phase I work will demonstrate the potential of a new method of making remote fiber optic spectral concentration measurements of trace species, which is compatible with remote field operation. The technology will be developed for rapid and sensitive analysis in scientific and commercial applications.
