Multiplexed Optical Fiber Chemical Sensor Arrays for Real-Time In Situ Monitoring of the Localized Corrosion Environment

Localized corrosion due to the failure of a thin protective film often limits the service life of many widely used engineering materials. Mechanistic understanding of passive film breakdown and localized corrosion is limited in large part because of difficulties in measuring the local environment of these small-length scale processes. This project will develop and apply optical-fiber-based chemical sensors to the small length scale detection and measurement of the spatial distribution of local environment. Phase I will (1) develop ion-specific coating systems suitable for the optical-fiber-based sensors, (2) develop and demonstrate multiplexed, multi-dimensional chemical senor arrays, and (3) apply the chemical sensor arrays for in situ real-time monitoring of the localized corrosion environment.