Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Roger J Pihl

Gerald G Vurek

Jeffrey B Yim

Gamal-Eddin Khalil

Bradley D Huss

A CO.sub.2 /O.sub.2 or pH/O.sub.2 gas sensor comprising a single optical fiber and a method for making the same. The optical fiber carries light signals at different wavelengths for monitoring either CO.sub.2 concentration or pH level, in combination with O.sub.2 concentration. Attached to the distal end of the fiber-optic probe is a cylindrical pellet that has one surface covered by a light reflective material (gold foil) and the other surface attached adjacent to the distal end of the optical fiber. Depending on whether the sensor is to monitor either CO.sub.2 or pH, the pellet comprises either a CO.sub.2 analyte indicator molecule or a pH analyte indicator molecule covalently bonded to a polymer matrix material. Also adjacent to the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed a second polymer matrix material which is codissolved with an O.sub.2 analyte reactive indicator molecule. The second polymer matrix material is either interposed between the cylindrical pellet and the distal end of the optical fiber or surrounds the cylindrical pellet. If pH is being measured, the distal end of the optical fiber is coated with a hydrophilic material that is permeable to water. Conversely, if CO.sub.2 is being monitored, the distal end is coated with a hydrophobic material.

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Roger J Pihl