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First order phase change detection using planar waveguide Bragg grating refractometer

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Abstract

Solid-to-liquid and gas-to-liquid phase changes in water and ordered-to-isotropic phase changes in a nematic liquid crystal are detected with an optical sensor. A planar Bragg grating defined purely by refractive index modulation is covered with a water or liquid crystal overcladding and the temperature is controlled to trigger phase changes. Measurement of the Bragg wavelength allows changes of effective refractive index to be detected and discontinuities in behaviour caused by phase transitions can be clearly identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    I. J. G. Sparrow, C. B. E. Gawith & P. G. R. Smith

  2. Stratophase Ltd, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9AQ, UK

    G. D. Emmerson

  3. School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    M. Kaczmarek & A. Dyadyusha

Authors
  1. I. J. G. Sparrow
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  2. G. D. Emmerson
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  3. C. B. E. Gawith
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  4. P. G. R. Smith
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  5. M. Kaczmarek
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  6. A. Dyadyusha
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Correspondence to I. J. G. Sparrow.

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Sparrow, I.J.G., Emmerson, G.D., Gawith, C.B.E. et al. First order phase change detection using planar waveguide Bragg grating refractometer. Appl. Phys. B 81, 1–4 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-005-1872-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-005-1872-8

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