Networked Surface Plasmon Resonance Devices as Condition Monitors

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is an emerging approach to the perennial problem of condition monitoring and pollutant and irritant detection. The technique involves surface plasmon waves being excited at the sensor surface by a monochromatic light under conditions of total internal reflection. These waves are sensitive to changes on the sensor surface such as the presence of an analyte; this will cause a change in refractive index. It is this change in index that monitors the condition. The underlying theme of selectivity of the analyte measurand is presented as an important feature of SPR sensor technology and its deployment in the built environment. Lasers and camera's are vital to this sensor technology, the use of such instrumentation already employed within civil engineering and construction industries are examined. Advantages associated with this approach are discussed in terms of the phenomenon as a new applied science to the built and natural environment.