9511540 Fuhr This two-year award will support U.S.-Ireland cooperative research between Peter L. Fuhr and Brian MacCraith of Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. The objective is to investigate the use of spectroscopic and evanescent wave sensors to detect the presence and concentration amounts of hazardous contaminant and corrosive materials in the environment. The investigator has been involved in the development of fiber optic sensors capable of operating when embedded inside civil structures. He proposes to use similar techniques to test a fiber optic evanescent wave sensor for contaminant (or corrosion) monitoring in civil structures and at construction sites. The project takes advantage of Irish expertise in the field of evanescent wave sensing. This is complemented by the principal investigator's experience in fiber optics sensors incorporating spectroscopic techniques. The project will advance understanding of the application of fiber optic sensors for monitoring environmental activities.
