Abstract
In this work a novel optical-fiber sensor for carbon dioxide measurement is presented. A polymeric sensitive layer based on the acid-base equilibrium of phenol and of its derivative 4-nitro-phenol is used for carbon dioxide determination. The sensitive material presents changes in color and in its refractive index. Colorimetric and refractometric measurements were performed. The results show the sensor is more sensitive for lower concentrations and a saturation effect occurs for higher levels. For the colorimetric response, a resolution of +/- 0.15% was estimated and a response time of 30s was measured. For the refractometric measurements, a resolution of +/- 0.50% could be estimated and a response time of 12s was measured. Reversibility and reproducibility were also demonstrated.

Abstract
An indicator free optical fiber sensor for determination of carbon dioxide is presented. The sensing layer is based on the acid-basic equilibrium of phenol and of its derivative p-nitro-phenol that, in the presence of CO2, are prone to protonation introducing refractive index changes. The new sensitive layer is characterized and tested in different refractometric fiber optic sensor configurations. Using a fiber based interferometric setup, a CO 2 dependent refractive index change of ~0.05 RIU is observed, in the 10%-90% CO2 concentration range, demonstrating the membrane viability. Preliminary results are presented for an all-fiber LPG-based carbon dioxide sensor.

Abstract
The intrinsic advantages of optical sensor technology are very appealing for high voltage applications and can become a valuable asset in a new generation of smart grids. In this paper the authors present a review of optical sensors technologies for electrical current metering in high voltage applications. A brief historical overview is given together with a more detailed focus on recent developments. Technologies addressed include all fiber sensors, bulk magneto-optical sensors, piezoelectric transducers, magnetic force sensors and hybrid sensors. The physical principles and main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Configurations and strategies to overcome common problems, such as interference from external currents and magnetic fields induced linear birefringence and others are discussed. The state-of-the-art is presented including commercial available systems.

Abstract
In this work an all optical hot-wire flowmeter based on a silver coated fibre incorporating a long period grating and a Bragg grating is demonstrated. Optical energy at 1480 nm propagating down the fibre is coupled by the long period grating into the fibre cladding and absorbed by the metallic coating deposited on the fibre surface over the Bragg grating position. This absorption acts like a hot-wire raising locally the fibre temperature, which is effectively detected by the FBG resonance shift. The temperature raise depends on the flow speed of the surrounding air that has the effect to cool the fibre. In this way, the FBG Bragg wavelength shift can be related with the flow speed. Results obtained demonstrate the working principle and a flow speed resolution of 0.08 m/s is demonstrated.

Abstract
In this Letter, a hybrid interferometer for simultaneous measurement of the partial pressures of O-2 and CO2 mixtures is reported. The sensing head consists in the combination of two interferometric structures, one a Fabry-Perrot cavity and the other a modal interferometer. The intrinsic Fabry-Perot was formed by splicing a single mode fiber with a graded index fiber length that was then subjected to chemical etching creating an air cavity. The second interferometer is based on a splice of a pure silica tube in series with the Fabry-Perot. It was observed for a particular gas that its refractive index changes with pressure variation in a specific way, a characteristic that permitted the simultaneous measurement of partial pressures of CO2 and O-2 with rms deviations of similar to +/- 48.7 kPa and similar to +/- 20.1 kPa, respectively. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America

Abstract
It is reported a LPG dynamic interrogation technique based on the modulation of fibre Bragg gratings located in the readout unit that permits to attenuate the effect of the 1/f noise of the electronics in the resolution of the LPG-based sensing head. The concept is tested to detect variations of the external refractive index and a resolution of 2.0x10 (4) NIR was achieved without system optimization. Additionally, the effect in the sensor resolution when introducing Erbium and Raman optical amplification is experimentally investigated.