Using an intrinsic, exposed core, optical fibre sensor to quantify chemical scale formation

Abstract

An intrinsic exposed core, optical fibre sensor has been used for directly monitoring surface crystal growth 'in-situ'. A negative, linear relationship (R²=0.98, n=8) was also observed between measured crystal thickness (on the surface of the fibre core) and attenuation of radiation guided within the fibre. An empirical geometric ray-model, based on the refraction of guided modes out of the exposed fibre core into the crystals of higher refractive index supported the experimental observations. Results point to the potential of using an optical fibre as a fully recoverable, quantitative sensor of crystal growth.