André David Santos

Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) detection has become extremely important in recent years due to the increasing need for sustainable alternative energy sources. In this field, optical sensors can contribute significantly due to remote interrogation capabilities and the absence of ignition sources. Among the different H2 optical sensors, plasmonic sensors appear to be a very sensitive technology; however, they require expensive plasmonic materials like gold or silver, which, together with a palladium-sensitive layer, can increase the sensor cost. In addition, plasmonic bands are usually outside the ideal infrared range for remote interrogation, between 1500 and 1600 nm. This work presents a polymer-protected Tamm Plasmon Resonance (TPR) sensor with a well-defined resonance band at 1572 nm composed of SiO2, TiO2 layers, and palladium as a sensitive layer. This architecture can reduce the production cost of sensing structures, replacing plasmonic films with dielectric materials, while offering improved resonance definition at longer wavelengths. First, numerical calculations were carried out using the Transfer-Matrix Method to study the impact of the thickness of each layer, incidence angle, and light polarization on the resonance band wavelength and H2 sensitivity. The optimized structure was then fabricated, exhibiting a wavelength shift of 9.5 nm to 4 vol % of H2, a response time of 30 s, and no cross-sensitivity to methane or ammonia. The sensor also demonstrated high stability and resistance to environmental degradation up to eight days. These results emphasize the advantages of TPR structures for gas sensing in the infrared spectral range, opening new avenues for remote plasmonic sensing. © 2026 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society

Abstract
Detection of leaks in hydrogen (H2) infrastructure is required on a large scale to enable a safe widespread use of this clean energy source. Sensing solutions must be low-cost, use scalable fabrication methods and allow multiplexed detection while providing reliable safety alarms as fast as possible. Optical methods can make this possible while avoiding the risk of ignition due to electronics at the point of detection. Metal hydride-based micro-mirror configurations benefit from a simple interrogation scheme, as long as the sensitive element can produce a large optical response. Magnesium thin films undergo a drastic variation of properties when hydrogenated, making them suitable for this application. In this work, a micro-mirror device using single-mode fibers capable of detecting the presence of H2 with a loading t10 and t90 of 1.2 and 3.0 s, respectively, is demonstrated. A complete interrogation unit was developed, presenting a solution suited for widespread deployment using industry-standard optical components and equipment.

Abstract
Optical sensing exploiting plasmonics and other types of surface waves provides exceptional performance for chemical and biological detection due to its high sensitivity and real-time capabilities. This study explores the integration of thin films with plasmonic, specifically leveraging metallic and dielectric nano structures, fabricated through sputtering and colloidal synthesis techniques. Advanced surface wave excitations such as localized surface plasmon resonances (SPR), Tamm Plasmon Polaritons (TPP), Bloch surface waves, and surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) are used to amplify sensor performance. Simulations and experimental data show that these nanostructured coatings significantly enhance electromagnetic field confinement, leading to improved detection limits and sensor robustness, showcasing promising applications in environmental monitoring, gas detection, and biomedical diagnostics.

Abstract
Concrete structures require precise temperature and humidity monitoring during curing to ensure optimal strength and prevent defects like cracking. A compact optical sensing system was developed using a single fiber that can be embedded directly within the concrete. The system functions as both a temperature and humidity sensor when paired with a spectral interrogation unit operating in the 1500-1600 nm range. Temperature monitoring is achieved through a Fiber Bragg Grating, while humidity sensing is facilitated by a Fabry-Perot interferometer at the fiber tip. The interferometer cavity is formed with a layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Initial air humidity sensor tests showed a significant change in the interference period with RH, demonstrating low hysteresis and high reproducibility. Calibration of one sensor revealed an approximately 3 nm period decrease when RH increased from 55% to 95%, with results suggesting a quadratic relationship between the interference period and RH values.

Abstract
Hydrogen (H-2) infrastructure is the focus of many initiatives for the planned energetic transition, but its volatility and flammability require extensive safety measures to prevent leakages and explosions. Magnesium thin films have been investigated not only for H-2 storage but also as switchable mirrors, which drastically change their optical properties when hydrogenated. Due to their lower cost compared to other hydride-forming or plasmonic metals commonly used in optical sensing, Mg-based H-2 fiber sensors have the potential to be both affordable and effective for scalable deployment in industrial settings. To this end, multilayer thin-film structures with Mg and palladium as adsorption catalyst were deposited on single-mode fiber tips, and H-2 loading/unloading processes were tested in a controlled flow gas setup. In parallel, an optical interrogation system prototype was developed, enabling fast data acquisition of fiber-tip reflectivity across multiple sensing probes at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Preliminary testing suggests fast response times of a few seconds for significant drops in reflectivity, facilitating straightforward detection of H-2 leaks using thresholding methods. Planned future work includes performance comparison with simpler sensing structures, durability and contaminant testing, and response time optimization.