Characterization of a Simple Raman Capillary/Fiber Optical Sensor

The characterization of a simple, dual-fiber quartz capillary/fiber optical sensor (C/FOS) for remote excitation and collection of Raman signals is presented. The Raman signals acquired with the C/FOS exhibit a 70-fold sensitivity enhancement and a 50-fold improvement in detectability relative to those obtained with the corresponding conventional dual-fiber sensor without the capillary. A background spectral feature at 790 cm(-)(1) is related to the optical fiber background and is not due to the capillary tube. With no focusing lenses or filters needed at the sample site, the remote Raman C/FOS is easy to assemble and use, and it is relatively inexpensive compared to other designs.