Non-dispersive infrared gas sensor using gas-permeable polymer optical waveguide and manufacturing method

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensor which detects the concentration of gas with a simple structure and method by manufacturing an optical waveguide with a gas-permeable polymer material instead of a conventional cavity or chamber type. An optical signal travels through the optical waveguide of gas-permeable polymer by total internal reflection, and the gas naturally penetrates the optical waveguide without the use of separate inlet and outlet openings, so that the optical signal and gas particles come into contact with each other within the optical waveguide. Since the optical signal detected by a photodetector at the other end of the optical waveguide after traveling while contacting the gas particles has properties changed according to the concentration of the gas which they have contacted in the optical waveguide, it is possible to measure the concentration of a specific gas from the detected optical signal.