Abstract
This paper describes a fiber optic oxygen sensor using phosphorescence and its application to clinical examinations. Since the quenching ratio of phosphorescence is proportional to oxygen partial pressure by the Stern-Volmer's formula, the oxygen concentration is possible to estimate from measured emission intensity.
Combining an optical fiber bundle with a luminescent material: Ru(bpy)32+/Nafion membrane, we have fabricated a luminous probe, characteristics of which was experimentally investigated as an oxygen concentration sensor in visible light. The probes were demonstrated to have advantages; they can be operated both in liquid phase and vapour phase. Also they are stable to pH and flow velocities. As a clinical application, the probe reliably measures oxygen concentrations of whole blood in vivo.
