Novel optochemical sensors based on hollow fibers and single walled carbon nanotubes

In this letter, the feasibility of using hollow-core optical fibers (HOFs) integrated with carbon nanotubes for volatile org. compd. (VOC) detection applications has been investigated. The Langmuir-Blodgett technique has been used in order to transfer single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) onto HOFs. Reflectance characterization of the obtained sensing probes has been carried out in the range 1520-1620 nm. Finally, the sensing capability of the HOF sensors has been investigated by exposure in a test chamber to traces of THF. The preliminary results obtained demonstrate the capability of the novel HOF sensor to perform chem. detection of VOCs showing a good sensitivity and fast response times.