Fibre Optics
Overview
Fibre optic technology has revolutionised a broad range of industries, and its impact on healthcare is no exception. By harnessing the power of light, fibre optic systems offer unparalleled precision, speed, and reliability for data transmission and sensing applications.
What Are Fibre Optics?
Fibre optics utilise strands of glass or plastic - thinner than a hair - to transmit light signals over long distances with minimal loss. Unlike traditional copper wires, fibre optics provide faster data transfer, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and exceptional durability. These features make fibre optic technology ideal for applications requiring high accuracy and reliability in medical devices and diagnostics.
Fibre Optic Sensors
Simple Optical Fibre
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Standard optical fibre technology can be used to detect and transmit data. Ideal for general-purpose applications, they offer robust performance and reliability in monitoring tasks.
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
FBG sensors are highly sensitive and versatile, designed for monitoring pressure and strain. By detecting changes in wavelength caused by environmental variations, they provide precise measurements for critical healthcare applications.
Long-Period Grating (LPG)
Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Fabry-Pérot Interferometer
Perfect for biochemical detection, these sensors can be functionalised with specialised coatings to identify a wide variety of biological markers such as proteins, gases or volatile organic compounds. They are highly sensitive, making them suitable for diagnostic and monitoring applications.
Fabry-Pérot Interferometer
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
Fabry-Pérot Interferometer
Utilising interference patterns of light, these sensors provide high-precision measurements of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain.
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
DRS sensors measure light reflected from a sample to analyse its composition. They are ideal for non-invasive diagnostics, such as detecting skin abnormalities, monitoring oxygen levels, and assessing tissue health.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS)
SPR sensors rely on the interaction of light with electrons on a metal surface, enabling the detection of refractive index changes. They can be used in detecting biochemical interactions, such as antibody-antigen binding.