Diffractive optic sensor for remote-point detection of ammonia
Meristoudi, A.
Karoutsos, V.
Vainos, N. A.
Botsialas, A.
Mousdis, G.
Athanasekos, L.
Alexandropoulos, D.
Remote-point photonic sensors are fabricated and evaluated. They are based on nanocomposite thin films comprising NiCl2 nanocrystals embedded in sol-gel silica matrix and are patterned using direct UV laser microetching techniques to form surface relief structures, which exhibit environment sensitive optical diffraction effects. A strong response to ammonia is detected via the alteration of diffraction efficiency of its orders upon exposure to the analyte. Detection of ammonia in the 2 ppm level with a typical response time of about 30 s in the ambient, 50% RH 20 degrees C, room environment is demonstrated.
