Fabricating optical fiber imaging sensors using ink jet printing technology: a pH sensor proof-of-concept.
We demonstrate the feasibility of using Drop-on-Demand microjet printing technology for fabricating imaging sensors by reproducibly printing an array of photo-polymerizable sensing elements, containing a pH sensitive indicator, on the surface of an optical fiber image guide. The reproducibility of the microjet printing process is excellent for microdot (i.e. micrometer-sized polymer) sensor diameter (92.2+/-2.2 microm), height (35.0+/-1.0 microm), and roundness (0.00072+/-0.00023). pH sensors were evaluated in terms of pH sensing ability (< or =2% sensor variation), response time, and hysteresis using a custom fluorescence imaging system. In addition, the microjet technique has distinct advantages over other fabrication methods, which are discussed in detail.
Carter
J Chance
JC
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. Carter45@llnl.gov
Alvis
Rosa M
RM
Brown
Steve B
SB
Langry
Kevin C
KC
Wilson
Thomas S
TS
McBride
Mary T
MT
Myrick
M L
ML
Cox
W Royall
WR
Grove
Michael E
ME
Colston
Bill W
BW
D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D055100:Optical Fibers; D011327:Printing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D019793:Fluorescein