Quantum dots as self-referenced optical fibre temperature probes for luminescent chemical sensors

The use of semiconductor nano-particles as temperature probes in luminescence chemical sensing applications is addressed. Temperature changes the intensity, the peak wavelength and the spectral width of the quantum dots luminescent emission in a linear and reversible way. Results are presented that show the feasibility of implementing a self-referenced intensity-based sensor to perform temperature measurements independent of the optical power level in the sensing system. A resolution of 0.3 degrees C was achieved. In addition, it is demonstrated that self-referenced temperature measurements at multiple points could be performed using reflection or transmission based optical fibre configurations.