An optical fiber sensor based on absorption spectroscopy for carbon monoxide detection

An optical fiber sensor based on absorption spectroscopy has been developed for the determination of carbon monoxide (CO) in the harsh environment. Conventional gas sensor used to detect carbon monoxide concentration is often difficult to achieve high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity in presence of a mixture of gases. This sensor uses DFB LD as light source, low cost near-infrared components, and differential optical absorption spectroscopy. The experimental results indicated that the sensor has been developed to operate with high sensitivity and stability so it does not suffer from other gases interferences. The lower limit of detection for the sensor was found to be not less than 50 ppm for carbon monoxide.