Optoelectronic chemical sensing: from biological cells to power transformers

Over the last four years, the authors have been involved in research in the broad area of optoelectronic and optical fiber chemical and biomedical sensing. The research projects have differed quite considerably in tie applications and the technologies applied. Some, such as the micro-optrodes, have been based on the use of specially prepared fiber-optic micro-probes, while others have involved the use of sol-gel derived sensing materials and photopolymers. When fiber- optics been involved, they have been used in the extrinsic sensing mode. The aim of this workshop contribution is to demonstrate the wide, and sometimes surprising, range of applications for optoelectronic chemical sensors by citing some of the authors' recent results and experiences.