Modification of fiber optic surface buffer for application on fiber optic humidity sensors

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Realising systems for multi-point sensing in harsh environments presents a formidable challenge. One of the**few solutions that can satisfy this need is fiber optic sensors based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology.**Such sensing systems can simultaneously provide real time data on temperature, pressure, humidity and strain**in such harsh environments. AOMS Technology Inc. have pioneered such solutions and have identified**improving their current humidity sensor platform a priority. AOMS Technology humidity sensors are currently**based hydrogel coated fibers which, when they deform, strain a given FBG. The hydrogel functions as a**transducer by changing its dimensions in response to a change in water content which, in turn, changes the**FBG period. The sensor architecture relies on using an appropriate hydrogel as well as the hydrogel being**intimately bound to the fiber. An important challenge has been to find a deposition methodology for materials**that are hydrophilic in nature (hydrogels) on materials that are hydrophobic (the plastic buffer of fiber optics).**In order to address this issue, this proposal focuses on transforming the hydrophobic surface of the buffer layer**into a surface that would permit the adhesion of a hydrophilic material. Specifically, we propose to leverage**our established expertise in plasma processing in combination with nanoparticle deposition to prepare the**buffer layer coated fibers suitable for intimate bonding with the hydrogel layer. The University of Toronto**(UofT) Centre for Advanced Nanotechnology is ideally suited for this work, possessing the requisite**knowledge in nanoparticle production and characterization as well as in inductively-coupled plasma techniques**applied to nanoparticles. We have been working with new nano-materials and applications for over two**decades and will contribute to the understanding of the effects of physical changes of a hydrophobic surface**caused by inclusion of nanoparticles by plasma jet technology. We anticipate that our proposed solution can**potentially address the current process shortcomings for AOMS humidity sensors and present a path forward**for them to capture this important market.