Ammonia detection via integrated optical evanescent wave sensors

Detection of ammonia in the gas phase by means of integrated optical components, coated with sensitive films which reversibly change their spectral absorption with ammonia concentration, is demonstrated. The evanescent wave of the guided light continuously probes the absorbance of the sensor membrane at 633 nm. The output intensity is compared with that of a reference channel not influenced by the sensitive film. With Bromocresol Green and Bromophenol Blue in silicone as indicators, ammonia levels of less than 1 ppm are detectable, the dynamic range being from 1 to 200 ppm. The response depends on the relative humidity, and acidic gases including sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxides are found to reduce the relative signal change caused by ammonia, whilst in the absence of ammonia they remain inert. Aging of the film is observed within a few months after film preparation.