Fiber Optic for the Detection of Co-Contaminant Compounds

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Fiber Optic for the Detection of Co-Contaminant Compounds--F&S, Inc., P.O. Box 11704, Blacksburg, VA 24062-1704; (540) 953-4274
Mr. Mark E. Jones, Principal Investigator
Ms. Garnett S. Linkous, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82371
Amount: $74,994

Innovative technologies to advance the measurement of biological and physicochemical properties of natural systems are necessary in order to monitor and understand the flow of energy waste materials in air, water, and below the earth¿s surface. The Department of Energy reported in 1992 that the combination of chlorinated hydrocarbons and fuel hydrocarbons at its own facilities and waste sites is a leading contributor to groundwater contamination. Additional research on a previously developed, cost-effective system to measure multiple contaminants will help to address this problem. This portable and reusable system, which will be further investigated in Phase I, uses a fiber-optic sensor capable of detecting changes in density in the waste-bearing material. Using a patented sensor that requires no reagents, an optical fiber will be coated with molecules that will specifically bind to only the target contaminants and allow for detection of the waste material. A variety of coatings and coating procedures will also be examined for compatability with optical fibers. Phase II will work on specific sensor improvements, device testing, and commercialization.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A variety of biological and chemical diagnostic devices can be produced based on this fiber-optic sensor. Major market segments for this system include medical diagnostic testing, industrial process control and monitoring, and environmental testing. In 1995 these markets had $8.5 billion in revenues and are expected to grow to over $10 billion by the end of the decade.