title: Evaluating the dynamic performance of a fibre optic pressure microsensor.
abstract: The dynamic performance of a new fibre optic sensor intended for measuring physiological fluid pressures is assessed in water. The sensor's sensitivity is evaluated at 23 degrees, 35 degrees and 37 degrees C against a Millar pressure catheter for sinusoidal pressure inputs with frequency ranging from 0.5 to 10 Hz. We found that sensitivity versus frequency is flat to 6 Hz and decreases slightly between 6 and 10 Hz. The sensitivity is slightly lower at 23 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. The reproducibility of measurements is excellent (two separate calibration tests in two consecutive days). The output of the fibre optic system used shows a constant time delay (0.13 s) for all frequencies tested. Experiments suggest that, with current sensor design, its immersion in degassed water prior to use ensures a reliable performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Shigao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pislaru
authors.forename: Randall R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kinnick
authors.forename: Duane A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: Kenton R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Greenleaf
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008904:Miniaturization; D011312:Pressure; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014159:Transducers