Fiber optics SERS sensors for environmental monitoring

The development of fiberoptic sensors for remote in-situ environmental monitoring using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is described. The approach to sensor development includes the initial development of SERS-active media on nanoparticle-based solid-surface substrates. These media are generally metal-coated nanoparticles that can be further modified for enhanced chemical selectivity, longevity and ruggedness. One example of surface modification is the application of a permeability-selective polymer, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). For remote environmental sensing applications, the planar solid SERS substrates have been successfully incorporated in a two-fiber probe design. We have also applied SERS-active media directly to an optical fiber as an integrated single-fiber design. Such sensors occupy much less volume and promote non intrusive monitoring systems. Linear response of the integrated sensor monitoring systems for various environmental chemicals with excellent correlation (> 0.99) has been observed in the part-per-billion (ppb) range.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering