title: Fabricating optical fiber imaging sensors using ink jet printing technology: a pH sensor proof-of-concept.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. Carter45@llnl.gov
authors.forename: J Chance
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Rosa M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Alvis
authors.forename: Steve B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Langry
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Mary T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: McBride
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Myrick
authors.forename: W Royall
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Grove
authors.forename: Bill W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Colston
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D019793:Fluorescein