Pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of fiber optic biosensors based on infra red technology

Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy, FTIR, has superseded dispersive systems as the routine tool for infra red analysis. Increasing resolution, signal to noise ratio and decreased size and cost have contributed to increased utility of the technique. Bench-top FTIR systems, previously restricted in application due to size and requirements of precise optical alignment, find increasing applications in clinical and pharmaceutical measurements. This paper discusses the means by which the inherent problems associated with FTIR were overcome to provide a wide range of monitoring applications. The influence of recent advances in experimental devices and in laser diode technology is also discussed.