Sensing Performance of Ethanol Microfiber Probe Augmented by ZnO Nanosheet and UV Glue Film

A microfiber reflective ethanol gas sensing probe was designed and fabricated. The single-mode fiber was heated and stretched to prepare a microfiber taper, on which a mixed material of ZnO nanosheets and UV glue was built by the dip-coating method. The influencing factors on its sensing performance for ethanol have been discussed, including the dozen ratio of ZnO nanosheets, UV glue materials, and end-face morphology. As the concentration of ethanol gas increased, the intensity of the reflection spectrum increased with the responding sensitivity of 7.28 x 10(-4) dBm/ppm. The exchanging efficiency of the optical signal is enhanced by the strong evanescent field of the microfiber taper. This sensing probe is convenient for high-density integration and working in a small space and is capable of high-performance monitoring for ethanol at room temperature.

Automated summary

A microfiber reflective ethanol gas sensing probe was developed using a single-mode fiber which was prepared into a microfiber taper through heating and stretching. The taper was coated with a mixed material of ZnO nanosheets and UV glue. The sensitivity of the probe to ethanol gas was influenced by factors such as the ratio of ZnO nanosheets, UV glue materials, and end-face morphology. The probe showed a high response sensitivity of 7.28 x 10(-4) dBm/ppm and enhanced optical signal exchange efficiency due to the strong evanescent field of the microfiber taper. It offers convenient high-density integration and high-performance ethanol monitoring at room temperature.