Optical Fiber Sensors for Biomedical Applications of Optical Fibers, Fiber Sensors, Impact of Light and Healthcare Industry Trends

Abstract

The global recognition of optical fibers as medical sensors is now widespread.   The most prominent characteristics are immunity to electromagnetic interference and compact size.   Fiber optic sensors offer significant benefits in settings characterized by elevated temperatures, corrosive or explosive substances, intense electromagnetic fields (such as MRI), or ionizing radiation.   The inherent galvanic isolation also provides advantages in terms of electrical safety, as mandated by IEC 60601.   Implementing fiber optic sensor technology in practice, however, is not straightforward.   Applications of Polymer Optical Fiber Sensors in Healthcare   This section illustrates the healthcare applications of the sensor system, considering the current context, trends in healthcare, and advancements in POF sensing technology. The applications are categorized into five distinct groups, wherein the wearable robots (exoskeletons, prosthesis, and orthosis) are equipped with various techniques of POF sensors.   Next, we go into the implementation of POF sensors in various healthcare devices.   The gadgets in question are a software and a system designed to aid in walking by utilizing functional electrical stimulation (FES).   These devices can be classified as either non-robotic, like the FES-assisted gait, or non-wearable, like the SWs.   Subsequently, the text illustrates the applications of movement analysis, focusing on the utilization and discussion of numerous wearable sensors that employ POFs. Instrumented insoles and intelligent carpets are considered as a viable method to monitor plantar pressure during activities such as walking or other movements, providing an alternative strategy for assessing human activity.   Lastly, the presentation focuses on the monitoring of physiological indicators utilizing POF sensors.   Although numerous systems designed for this aim are not now wearable, it is crucial to examine their various uses and potential for advancement in order to develop wearable systems capable of assessing multiple physiological parameters.   For reusable instruments, such as those commonly used in minimally invasive surgery, it is essential to ensure their durability and performance across multiple cleaning and sterilizing cycles.   This necessitates meticulous consideration for numerous pragmatic aspects of the architecture of the sensor head.   The forthcoming design considerations will be examined, exemplified by a force sensor devised for a haptic instrument.