A Compact Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Measurement of Water in Process

Abstract

An optical sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for water measurement in process has been developed. The optical setup of this sensor is made in a simple and compact way, by the use of a laser diode as a point light source, providing an angularly spread (convergent) beam incident to the sensing part with imaging optics. Multichannel detection by a photodiode array and the Fourier transform optical setup eliminates the need for a mechanical angle scanner or a rotary stage in the system, resulting in a reduction in the size, the weight, and the cost of the sensor. Water concentrations in ethanol were measured by this sensor. Water concentrations of from 0.3% to 10% were obtained. Temperature dependence of the sensor and the method for compensation are discussed.