An overview of optical sensors and their applications

Abstract

In the developed nations of the world, optical sensor industry is a multimilliondollar business. This chapter is devoted to the review of the fundamentals of fiber optic sensing techniques, and describes the different types of optical sensors and their applications in different industries. Descriptions are made of intensity based sensors, distributed sensors, and interferometric sensors, their different types and specific applications. Examples of some more forms of FOSs, and their use in the context of environment are also reviewed. In addition, discussions are made of the role of integrated optics technology in sensing applications. It is noteworthy that photonic crystals and STFs have been the emerging areas of research in the present day; the chapter describes the use of such materials and/or mediums in the area of optical sensing. © 2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.