Optical oxygen sensor

Optical oxygen sensors are based on the principle of fluorescence quenching by

oxygen. They rely on the use of a light source, a light detector, and a luminescent
material that reacts to light. In many fields, luminescence‐based oxygen sensors are
replacing the Clark electrode.

An example of a sensor that measures ambient oxygen levels using fluorescence

quenching by oxygen is the LuminOX LOX-02. While it has the same footprint as
traditional electrochemical sensors, it does not absorb oxygen and it has the advantage
of a much longer lifespan. This makes it useful for devices like room oxygen depletion safety alarms which monitor
indoor air for a sudden drop in oxygen levels from stored compressed gases.

Common applications that involve optical sensors include medical facilities, lasers, imaging systems, and fibers. In
regards to sensor advantages, many find optical sensors to hold greater sensitivity, wider dynamic range, distributed
configuration and multiplex capabilities. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Supply Voltage (Vs) 4.5 - 5.5Vdc

Supply Current (ls) <7.5mA (streaming one sample per second)
  <20mA Peak
Output Type 3.3V TTL level USART
Temperature  
    Operating: -30°C to +60°C
    Storage: -30°C to +60°C
Humidity 0 - 99% Rh (non-condensing)
Barometric Pressure Range 500 - 1200mbar

OUTPUT VALUES

Oxygen Range 0- 25% O₂

Oxygen Pressure Range 0 - 300mbar ppO₂
Response Time T90 < 10s (typical)
Accuracy  
    ppO₂ < 2% FS
    Temperature Indication only
    Pressure ±5mbar
    O₂ Determined by ppO₂ & pressure accuracy
Resolution  
    ppO₂ 0.1mbar
    Temperature 0.1°C
    Pressure 1mbar
    O₂ 0.01%
Lifetime > 5 years

OUTLINE DRAWINGS

ELECTRICAL INTERFACE

Pin Designation
1 Vs (+5V)
2 GND (0V)
3 3.3V USART Sensor Transmit
4 3.3V USART Sensor Receive

BLOCK DIAGRAM

WORKING PRINCIPLE
The principle behind fluorescence quenching by molecular oxygen has long been understood. Some molecules or
compounds, when exposed to light, will fluoresce (i.e. emit light energy). However, if oxygen molecules are present, the
light energy is transferred to the oxygen molecule resulting in less fluorescence. By using a known light source the
amount of light energy detected is inversely proportional to the number of oxygen molecules in the sample. Therefore, the
less fluoresce detected, the more oxygen molecules must be present in the sample gas.
In some sensors, the fluorescence is detected twice at a known time interval. Instead of measuring the total fluorescence,
the drop in luminescence (i.e. fluorescence quenching) over time is measured. This decay-based time method allows for a
simpler sensor design.