Markers detection in transformer oil by Plasmonic Chemical Sensor system based on POF and MIPs

We present a multichannel optical chemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF), for simultaneous determination of two important analytes, dibenzyl disulfide, and furfural, whose presence in the transformer oil is an indication of underway corrosive or ageing processes, respectively, in power transformers. Furthermore, an investigation on the dependence of performances of this optical platform on the gold film thickness is reported. The low cost, highly selective, and sensitive performance of the SPR-POF-MIP platforms and the simple and modular scheme of the optical interrogation layout make this system a potentially suitable on-line diagnostic tool for power transformers.