Fiber optic sensing requires the use of molecular probes such as fluorescent dyes or indicators that can be induced during analysis to produce a detectable spectral change. Spectroscopic techniques have long been applied to the determination of analytical and bioanalytical measurements using fiber optic sensors; however, relatively few studies have been reported utilizing near-infrared (NIR) absorbing chromophores. This longer wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum is more advantageous because of the inherently lower background interference and the high molar absorptivities of NIR absorbing chromophores. Low background interference is especially important in samples containing a complex matrix. The design and operation of an NIR probe are similar to that of conventional UV-visible probes. In principle optical fiber or other optical sensors can be made selective to a particular analyte. The selectivity will be determined primarily by the selectivity of the sensor dye and by the nature of the matrix entrapping the dye if the probe is non-covalently attached. This presentation discusses the development of different NIR dyes for fiber optic sensor applications. Examples are given for determining basic analytical properties, e.g., pH, metal ion concentration, and solvent hydrophobicity. Similarly, NIR dyes are very useful for bioanalytical probes (immunochemistry, etc.) as well.
