Luminescence-based oxygen sensors

The key component of the oxygen sensor is in our case the dye ETHT 3001 which exhibits a strong luminescence at 620 nm upon irradiation at around 460 nm wavelength. This luminescence is efficiently quenched by oxygen which results in a decrease in luminescence signal directly related to the oxygen partial pressure.

For sensor purposes the complex ETHT 300x has to be imbedded in a suitable matrix (for instance plasticized polystyrene), i.e. a material which dissolves the complex and allows oxygen diffusion from the sample to the complex in the matrix.

ETHT 300x tris(4,7-bis(4Õ-n-alkylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) perchlorate with n = 3 for x = 1, n = 6 for x = 2 and n = 8 for x = 3.

Interesting links

• PreSens GmbH in Neuburg a. d. Donau, Germany markets microoptodes
• Orbisphere in Vésenaz, Switzerland has electrochemical oxygen sensors
• MBE AG Messtechnik Automation in Wetzikon, Switzerland uses a paramagnetic oxygen sensor