Optical Sensors

The research aims to introduce our novel vital sign measurement probe (belonging to the group of non-invasive optical sensors) and its associated sensor system to solve issues related to cardiac monitoring in MRI environments. TEQIP-III BPUT Odisha sponsors this research under the TEQIP-III Collaborative Research Initiative Scheme (CRIS) scheme.

In general, there are three types of Optical Sensors: (1) non-invasive sensors, which come into direct contact with the human skin; (2) minimally-invasive sensors, which are used for measurements carried out in body cavities; and (3) invasive sensors, which are used for measurements made inside organs or in the bloodstream (intravascular).

Desirable characteristic features of Optical Sensors include their independence from an active power supply and a high immunity to electromagnetic interference. Due to these attributes, Optical Sensors can be used with other electronic equipment without generating electric noise that may compromise the quality of vital sign monitoring and potentially lead to patient safety concerns.

Optical Sensors are gaining more popularity due to their flexibility, improved functionality, and reliability. The very small dimensions of optical fibers allow them to be encapsulated inside very thin catheters and injection needles, thereby enabling localized and minimally-invasive monitoring.

Biocompatibility is a very important consideration in the acquisition and evaluation of high quality data from sensors coming into contact with living tissue. As Optical Sensors are biocompatible and do not influence the patient’s body in any major way, they offer a great level of patient comfort during vital sign monitoring.

Monitoring of physiological parameters during MRI is recommended in neonatal and pediatric patients, persons with implanted artificial pacemakers, disabled persons, persons with mental disorders, patients developing reactions to contrast mediums, being in coma or administered local anesthesia.

Commonly used equipment and sensors used for patient monitoring of heart rate, EKG and respiration rate that employ electronics cannot be used within the high magnetic field environment found within an MRI machine.
Few other aspects of the proposed system are also required to be addressed to solve issues related to cardiac monitoring in MRI environments.

In this limited space, we do not intend to compare our system with other existing sensors. The comprehensive characterization of our novel sensor system and its comparison with other existing sensors will be the focus of our future articles with detailed signal processing.

The research work is mainly focused on the development of a new FBG temperature sensor probe which can measure a temperature nearly 1000°C. Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, sponsors the research under the Silicon Research Promotion Scheme (SRPS).

Over the last few years, optical fiber sensors have seen an increased acceptance as well as a widespread use for structural sensing and monitoring applications in civil engineering, aerospace, marine, oil & gas, composites and smart structures.

Optical fiber sensor operation and instrumentation have become well understood and developed. However, one of the areas in need of further development and commercial maturity is that of sensor packaging and installation technique.

Hence, there is a need to develop appropriate protective coatings and housings for fiber sensors; investigate the fundamental transfer of strains, stresses, pressure and temperature from the host specimen or matrix to the sensing fiber and the associated materials inter-play; as well as the development of field installation processes and deployment techniques suitable for the various application areas and expected environmental conditions.

This is particularly attractive for harsh environment areas where conventional foil strain gauges cannot operate.

The research work is mainly focused on studying the performance parameters of an FBG sensor using an interrogation technique. The proposed work has two objectives. The first objective is to design and develop a suspension bridge model. The second objective is to develop a GUI based approach to visualize the strain and deformation profile of the suspension bridge using FBG sensor data.Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, sponsors the research under the Silicon Research Promotion Scheme (SRPS).

The FBG sensing element is bonded to a suspension bridge model consisting of gray cast iron material having tensile strength of 170MPa. The stress, strain and maximum deformation of the suspension bridge model is studied using ANSYS Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model.

It was observed that the region of the base plate near vertical support is exposed to maximum strain and the center region of the base plate is exposed to maximum deformation during gravitational load. Therefore, the first FBG sensor (1545 nm) is bonded at the center region along with a thermocouple type sensor.

The sensor is interfaced with SmartScan FBG interrogator and the signal acquisition is performed via LAN interface with the host PC. Further, the wavelength shift is recorded using SmartScan FBG Interrogator (1528nm – 1568nm, 2.5 KHz) to develop the load calibration model. The data acquisition is performed using the LabVIEW DLL library file supplied by the vendor. Load calibration algorithm is tested in a real-time approach to generate appropriate notifications.

Electronics Engineering

Basic Sciences and Humanities

Basic Sciences and Humanities

Electronics Engineering

Computer Science and Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Dept. of Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, SiliconTech