Application of Fiber Optics in Bio-Sensing

Abstract

The unique properties of optical fibers such as small size, immunity to electromagnetic radiation, high sensitivity with simpler sensing systems have found their applications from structural monitoring to biomedical sensing. The inclusion of optical transducers, integrated electronics and new immobilization methods, the optical fibers have been used in industrial process, environmental monitoring, food processing and clinical applications. Further, the optical fiber sensing research has also been extended to the area of detection of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. The validation of optical fibers in bio-sensing applications can be observed from the growing number of publications. This chapter provides a brief picture of optical fiber biosensors, their geometries including the necessary procedure for their development. This chapter could be a milestone for the young researchers to establish their laboratory.