Recent advancements in optical fiber hydrogen sensors

A review for optical fiber hydrogen sensors based on palladium (Pd) and tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films is presented, with specific focus on the measurement methods, probe structures, and sensing properties of different sensors. Firstly, the theoretical models behind the optical fiber hydrogen sensors, as well as their practical limitations, are addressed. Secondly, four mainstream measurement methods, including intensity, fiber Bragg grating (FBG), interferometer, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which have been proposed to sense the physicochemical properties variations of sensitive thin films when exposed to hydrogen, are reviewed. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of all the above measurement methods are also discussed and compared. Finally, the existing problems and future prospects of optical fiber hydrogen sensors are pointed out. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.