Wireless Optical Fiber Sensor Network (WOFSNet)for Methane

描述(由申请人提供)：在美国煤矿，由于甲烷着火而导致的爆炸构成了重大危险。甲烷检测在许多工业和安全应用中具有特别重要的意义。为了解决这一职业安全问题，Waddan Systems将开发一种无线光纤传感器网络(WOFSNet)，用于超微量检测甲烷气体。WOFSNet气体传感器系统的基本原理是基于利用波长调制光谱技术对纳米孔有源光纤芯传感器元件中甲烷气体的第二泛音谱线的光学衰减。这一阶段研究方案的具体目标是开发一种无校准、连续监测的传感器系统。微制造技术的最新进展将传感器技术带入了一个新的时代。将电子、光子和机电设备微型化到微纳尺度的能力使得将许多传感器集成到一个小芯片上成为可能，该芯片可以封装在贴片、衣服或可植入设备中。此外，这些小芯片还可以改装成额外的功能，如无线通信功能，可以通过蓝牙/Zigbee或WLAN将信息/数据上传到其他设备。Waddan Systems拥有一家最先进的晶片制造实验室，致力于开发这种微型微机械传感器。 与公众健康相关：该项目的目标是开发一种气体传感器，用于准确和选择性地检测甲烷(CH4)气体。准确监测微量甲烷浓度对采矿等高风险工业部门工人的安全和保护大有裨益。Waddan Systems的项目团队将开发一种无线光纤传感器网络(WOFSNet)，用于超微量检测甲烷气体。WOFSNet气体传感器系统利用波长调制光谱测量了纳米孔有源光纤芯传感器元件中甲烷气体的第二泛音谱线的光衰减。Waddan Systems将采用一种混合芯片设计，该设计采用安装在硅衬底上的集成光学芯片。WOFSNet系统可以集成在Miner的衣服上，也可以安装在采矿头盔上。此外，这些小芯片还可以改装成额外的功能，如无线通信功能，可以通过蓝牙或无线局域网将信息/数据上传到其他设备。WOFSNet设备将立即用于包括(A)石油精炼、(B)固体废物填埋场、(C)化学废物处理处理、(D)散体酸生产以及(E)造纸和纸浆工业。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Explosions in United States coal mines resulting due to ignition of methane pose a significant hazard. Detecting methane is of special relevance in many industrial and safety applications. To address this occupational safety concern Waddan Systems will develop a Wireless Optical Fiber Sensor Network (WOFSNet) for the ultra trace detection of methane gas. The underlying principle of WOFSNet gas sensor system is based on optical attenuation of second overtone line of methane gas in a nanoporous active fiber core sensor element utilizing wavelength modulation spectroscopy. The specific objective of this Phase I research proposal is to develop a calibration free, continuous monitoring sensor system. Recent progresses in micro- fabrication have led the sensor technology to a new era. The ability to miniaturize electronic, photonic and electromechanical devices to micro/nano-scale has made it possible to integrate many sensors onto a small chip, which can be enclosed in patches, clothing or implantable devices. Moreover, these small chips can be modified with additional functionalities such as wireless communication capabilities that can uplink the information/data to other devices through Bluetooth/Zigbee or WLAN. Waddan Systems has a state-of-the-art wafer fabrication laboratory dedicated to the development of such miniature micro-machined sensors. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The goal of this project is to develop a gas sensor for the accurate and selective detection of methane (CH4) gas. Accurate monitoring of methane concentrations at trace levels is highly beneficial for the safety and protection of workers in high-risk industrial sectors such as mining. The project team at Waddan Systems will develop a Wireless Optical Fiber Sensor Network (WOFSNet) for the ultra trace detection of methane gas. WOFSNet gas sensor system measures the optical attenuation of second overtone line of methane gas in a nanoporous active fiber core sensor element utilizing wavelength modulation spectroscopy. Waddan Systems will utilize a hybrid chip design that employs an integrated optics chip mounted on a silicon substrate. WOFSNet system can be integrated in Miner's clothes or mounted onto a mining helmet. Moreover, these small chips can be modified with additional functionalities such as wireless communication capabilities that can uplink the information/data to other devices through Bluetooth or WLAN. The WOFSNet device will find immediate use in industries including (a) petroleum refining, (b) solid waste landfill sites, (c) chemical waste treatment processing, (d) production of bulk acids, and (e) paper and pulp industries.