NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Multi-Site Fiber Optic Sensor for Dissolved Oxygen Detection

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of this proposed program will be to develop a fiber optic sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen in water for operation in both a single site mode and within a distributed multisite network. The technology is based on Co macrocycle complexes serving as chemical transducers for converting dissolved O2 concentrations to detectable optical signals. The specific complexes will be incorporated into polymeric matrices and are expected to be compatible with achieving both selective and reversible detection of dissolved O2 in the 0 - 25ppm range.

The strategy to be adopted will rely upon the detection of changes in the absorption spectrum induced by O2 binding to Co macrocycles which are immobilized onto an optical fiber. Specific Co macrocycle complexes to be studied in this program have been shown to exhibit rapid and reversible O2 binding with an associated change in the absorption spectrum. In addition, these complexes have previously been incorporated into polymer matrices without loss of O2 binding ability. Detection of the optical signals will be achieved by either direct absorption measurements or through evanescent wave interaction.

The successful completion of Phase I will result in the identification of preferred components to be incorporated into a reversible fiber optic sensor for the detection of dissolved O2. This sensor would be used for dissolved O2 monitoring in applications such as regenerative life support systems, wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring.

Eltron Research, Inc.
5660 Airport Boulevard
Boulder, CO 80301