Abstract (EN):
The main goal of this project was to study and develop sensing systems for the remote
detection of gases with the use of microstructured optical fibres of the hollow-core type
(HC-PCF) and the use of signal processing techniques usually associated with absorption
spectroscopy.
After studying the common methodologies for this type of monitoring many drawbacks
were identified, among which were the need for long interaction path lengths and high
sampling volumes, the need for precise alignments and optics and the sensitivity to power
fluctuations.
Photonic Crystal Fibres (PCF) arose as an exceptionally interesting player in the field of gas
sensing since they promote the creation of short and direct interaction paths between light
and gas and can be tuned to address any specific gas. Thus, their principle of operation and
main optical properties were studied and described. The diffusion time of gases inside of
microstructured fibres is a subject of special importance if we intend to use these fibres as
sensing heads. As a consequence of its theoretical study and experimental analysis, fruitful
results for the planning of a new configuration for the sensing head were achieved.
Light coupling between standard optical fibres and hollow-core photonic crystal fibres is a
practical issue that was also evaluated in the aim of the work here presented. The splice
between these two types of fibres was also optimized.
Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy is a powerful and sensitive technique for gas detection
given that detection is shifted to frequencies far from the base-band noise, improving the
signal-to-noise ratio. Consequently, it was the chosen signal processing technique to be used
in the implementation of an experimental setup for the detection and monitoring of a
specific gas species.
The implementation of a portable and compact unit for remote gas monitoring, involving
several of the aspects here approached, has already been initiated.
Idioma:
Português
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Nº de páginas:
98