Evanescent-wave spectroscopy down infrared transmitting optical fibers

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Abstract
The evanescent-wave spectrum of a sample surrounding the core of an optical fiber is a complex function of the optical constants of the media involved as well as the geometry of the sensing fiber. We develop a simple theory for evanescent-wave absorption in the weak absorption limit where we show that the absorbance of a length of sensor fiber may be related linearly to the bulk sample absorption coefficient. We present experimental data that verifies the observed scaling between the evanescent-wave absorbance and the bulk absorption coefficient for an isopropanol sample. The application of evanescent-wave spectroscopy with different sensor fiber materials is discussed, along with experimental and theoretical data for the enhancement of evanescent-wave spectroscopy using tapered fibers. Finally we discuss the results of a numerical series of calculations based on the exact ray paths of radiation within the fiber and the fundamental theory of ATR absorption at an interface assuming a plane wave approximation. In the more complex theory the evanescent-wave absorption coefficient is a decreasing function of the bulk absorption coefficient.

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