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Effect of temperature change on refractive index of an egg white and yolk - a preliminary study

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-07-01
JournalPhotonics Letters of Poland
AuthorsPatryk SokoƂowski
InstitutionsGdaƄsk University of Technology
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond for High-Precision Fabry-Perot Sensing

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond for High-Precision Fabry-Perot Sensing”

This research demonstrates the use of a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) for high-resolution measurement of refractive index (RI) changes in biological samples (egg white and yolk) as a function of temperature (30-47°C).

  • Application: High-sensitivity optical sensing of biological fluid properties, relevant for quality control and biomedical diagnostics.
  • Methodology: FPI sensor constructed using a polished fiber end-face and a reflective surface (aluminum dish).
  • Critical Parameters: Precise control over the geometrical cavity length (L), measured between 211.7 ”m and 238.8 ”m, is essential for accurate RI calculation.
  • Material Requirement: The sensor relies on a highly stable, reflective surface. 6CCVD’s MPCVD diamond substrates offer superior thermal stability, chemical inertness, and ultra-low surface roughness (Ra < 1 nm for SCD) compared to standard materials, significantly enhancing FPI visibility and sensitivity.
  • Wavelength Compatibility: Measurements were conducted at 1550 nm, a region where 6CCVD’s optical grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) exhibits excellent transparency and low absorption.
  • 6CCVD Value Proposition: We provide custom-thickness SCD and PCD wafers, precisely polished and metalized, ideal for replicating or advancing this FPI sensor design into a robust, thermally stable diamond platform.

The following hard data points were extracted from the research paper detailing the FPI sensor configuration and measurement results:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Central Wavelength (λ)1550nmSuperluminescent Diode (SLD) source
SLD Spectral Width35nmSource bandwidth for interference generation
Measurement Temperature Range30 - 47°CBiological sample testing range
Estimated Cavity Length (Egg White)238.8”mGeometrical path length (L)
Estimated Cavity Length (Egg Yolk)211.7”mGeometrical path length (L)
Reference RI (Air)1.0003N/AUsed for initial cavity length estimation at 1550 nm
Observed RI Range (Egg White)~1.1 to 1.3N/ARefractive index variation with temperature
Observed RI Range (Egg Yolk)~1.2 to 1.7N/ARefractive index variation with temperature
Sensor TypeFabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI)N/AUsed for high-resolution RI measurement

The experiment utilized a fiber-optic FPI sensor head coupled with a heat plate and an Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) to monitor spectral shifts.

  1. Sensor Construction: The FPI measurement head was built using a polished fiber end-face and an aluminum weighing dish acting as the reflective surface.
  2. Equipment Configuration: The setup included an Ando AQ6319 Optical Spectrum Analyzer, an SLD (1550 ± 20 nm), a 2:1 fiber coupler, and a custom heat plate.
  3. Cavity Length Calibration: The geometrical cavity length (L) was first estimated by measuring the interference spectrum of air at room temperature, using the known RI of air (1.0003 at 1550 nm).
  4. Sample Preparation: Free-range eggs were separated into white and yolk, and small volumes (few milliliters) were placed on the aluminum weighing dish.
  5. Temperature Cycling: Measurements were performed across a temperature range of 30°C to 47°C, with precise 1°C steps, using the heat plate.
  6. RI Calculation: The refractive index (n) of the sample was calculated based on the estimated cavity length (L) and the measured interference signal spectrum (specifically, the distance between adjacent maxima, λ1 and λ2).

The FPI sensor design requires materials with exceptional optical quality, precise thickness control, and high thermal stability—areas where 6CCVD’s MPCVD diamond excels. Replacing the aluminum dish with a diamond substrate significantly enhances sensor performance, longevity, and chemical resistance, especially for biological applications.

To replicate or extend this high-precision FPI sensing research, 6CCVD recommends the following materials:

  • Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD): Ideal for the reflective substrate. SCD offers superior thermal conductivity (minimizing temperature gradients across the sensor head) and excellent optical transparency in the 1550 nm range.
    • Benefit: SCD provides an ultra-stable platform for high-resolution optical measurements.
  • Optical Grade Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD): Recommended for applications requiring larger sensor areas (up to 125 mm diameter) or where cost is a primary constraint, while still offering significantly better thermal and chemical properties than aluminum.
  • Polishing Specification: To maximize FPI fringe visibility and minimize scattering losses, 6CCVD guarantees Ra < 1 nm polishing on SCD and Ra < 5 nm on inch-size PCD wafers.

The success of this FPI sensor hinges on precise control of the cavity length (L) and the quality of the reflective surface. 6CCVD provides the necessary customization to optimize this design:

Requirement from Paper6CCVD Customization CapabilityTechnical Advantage
Precise Cavity Length (L ≈ 211-239 ”m)Custom Thickness Control: We supply SCD and PCD plates in the critical thickness range of 0.1 ”m to 500 ”m.Allows the diamond substrate itself to define the precise geometrical path length (L) or act as a highly stable spacer.
Reflective SurfaceCustom Metalization: We offer in-house deposition of highly reflective and chemically inert layers (e.g., Au, Pt, Ti/Au stack).Replaces the standard aluminum dish with a robust, bio-compatible, and highly stable reflective diamond surface, improving sensor longevity and signal-to-noise ratio.
Sensor IntegrationCustom Dimensions & Shaping: Plates/wafers available up to 125 mm diameter. Custom laser cutting and shaping services are available for integration into complex fiber-optic setups.Ensures seamless integration of the diamond element into existing FPI sensor housing and heat plate configurations.

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in applying diamond materials to advanced photonics and sensing applications. We can assist researchers in transitioning from preliminary studies using standard materials (like aluminum) to robust, high-performance diamond platforms.

We offer consultation on material selection, surface preparation, and metalization schemes specifically tailored for high-resolution Fabry-Perot Interferometry (FPI) projects, ensuring optimal thermal management and chemical compatibility for biological sensing.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. We ship globally (DDU default, DDP available).

View Original Abstract

In this article, the refractive index of an egg white and yolk depending on temperature in range 30 - 47 °C over 1550 nm was determined. The measurement head was constructed as fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer with interference between polished fiber end-face and aluminum weighing dish. The measurement setup has been made of an optical spectrum analyzer, a superluminescent diode with a central wevelength of 1550 nm, 2:1 fiber coupler and heat plate. Full Text: PDF ReferencesP. Magdelaine, “Egg and egg product production and consumption in Europe and the rest of the world, Improving the Safety and Quality of Eggs and Egg Products”, Egg Chemistry, Production and Consumption, 3 (2011). CrossRef H. Kuang, F. Yang, Y. Zhang, T. Wang, and G. Chen, “The Impact of Egg Nutrient Composition and Its Consumption on Cholesterol Homeostasis”, Cholesterol (2018). CrossRef J. Gienger, K. Smuda, R. MĂŒller, M. BĂ€r, and J. Neukammer, “Refractive index of human red blood cells between 290 nm and 1100 nm determined by optical extinction measurements”, Sci. Rep. 9, 1 (2019). CrossRef P. Listewnik, M. Hirsch, P. Struk, M. Weber, M. Bechelany, and M. Jędrzejewska-Szczerska, “Preparation and Characterization of Microsphere ZnO ALD Coating Dedicated for the Fiber-Optic Refractive Index Sensor”, Nanomaterials 9, 2 (2019) CrossRef Y. Wu, Y. Zhang, J. Wu, and P. Yuan, “Fiber-Optic Hybrid Structured Fabry-Perot Interferometer Based On Large Lateral Offset Splicing for Simultaneous Measurement of Strain and Temperature”, J. Lightwave Technol., 35, 19 (2017). CrossRef M. Islam, M. Mahmood, M Lai, K. Lim, and H. Ahmad, “Chronology of Fabry-Perot Interferometer Fiber-Optic Sensors and Their Applications: A Review”, Sensors 14, 4 (2014). CrossRef K. Karpienko, M. WrĂłbel, and M. Jędrzejewska-Szczerska, “Determination of refractive index dispersion using fiber-optic low coherence Fabry-Perot interferometer: implementation and validation”, Opt. Eng. 53, 7 (2014). CrossRef M. Kosowska, D. Majchrowicz, K. Sankaran, M. Ficek, K. Haenen, and M. Szczerska, “Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Films as Reflective Layers for Fiber-Optic Sensors of Refractive Index of Liquids”, Materials 12, 13 (2019). CrossRef G. Xiao, A. Adnet, Z. Zhang, F. Sun, and C. Grover, “Monitoring changes in the refractive index of gases by means of a fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer sensor”, Sensors and Actuators 118, 2 (2005). CrossRef