5. Conclusion

The detection of (bio-)chemical compounds has been the subject of sustained research and development for many years. In this vast field, which applies to both medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring, fiber optic sensors are a fast-growing area of research for which the first developments date back barely two decades. Their many advantages make them the technology of choice for localized, non-invasive measurements of very small volumes of analytes, on the order of a few microliters. What's more, the miniaturized dimensions of optical fibers, their robustness and chemical inertness make them potential candidates for in vivo diagnostics.

In the future, ongoing research into this type of sensor will further enhance their sensitivity and versatility. In this way, like fiber-optic physical sensors, they will be able to conquer a place of choice in the biosensor...