Seawater pH sensor based on the long period grating in a single-mode–multimode–single-mode structure

A pH sensor is developed based on the long-period grating (LPG) inscribed into a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) structure in order to measure the pH in seawater. The LPG is formed by using a focused CO2 laser at LPG's critical period (1 mm). The transmission characteristics are similar to that of a multimode fiber. However, the SMS structure has a higher sensitivity because mode coupling only happens between the fundamental mode and higher-order modes in the SMS structure. The pH-sensitive hydrogel is made by the thermal cross-link of poly vinyl alcohol and poly acrylic acid. This sensor has been utilized in seawater pH sensing in the range of 6-8. Experiments have confirmed that the sensor is sensitive and repeatable. c 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3093625]