Abstract

Polymer optical coatings to detect moisture were developed to clad polymer optical fibres (POF). These claddings were sensitized to moisture to affect the evanescent field and thus the light guided within the fibre, forming POF sensors to continuously monitor human perspiration in response to changes in environmental conditions, physical and mental activity, medical condition or psychological stress. The sensors should be wearable during daily activity and unobtrusive, hygienic, with sterilised sensing elements that were easily interchangeable. POF was selected because it is rugged and flexible, is 10 times more sensitive to evanescent field than 200 μmPCS silica fibre¹, and will not shatter into skin piercing shards if roughly handled. POF is formed from polymethylmethacrylate, so it is clinically inert and cheap enough to be used for throw away sensors.

© 2007 IEEE