Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100) for monitoring one or more physiological parameters of an individual. The system (100) comprises an optical fibre assembly (110) configured to measure one or more physiological parameters of an individual, and a pressure sensor (120) configured to measure a contact pressure of the optical fibre assembly (110) on the individual. The pressure sensor (120) comprises an optical fibre (122) comprising a transducer fibre Bragg grating (127) embedded in a matrix (121). The matrix (121) is configured to cause longitudinal strain in the transducer fibre Bragg grating (127) in response to the matrix (121) being subject to a transverse load. The one or more physiological parameters that the system (100) is for monitoring may include blood oxygen saturation (Sp O2), capillary refill time (CRT), heart rate, blood flow and CO2 emissions from skin.

Abstract: A textile comprising a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor comprising an optical fibre (102) with a transducer FBG (107), and a transducer patch (101) having a first face and a second opposite face, wherein: the transducer FBG (107) is embedded in the transducer patch (101), the transducer patch (101) is less than 10 mm in length along the optical fibre (102), and the transducer patch (101) is configured to cause longitudinal strain in the transducer FBG (107) in response to the transducer patch (101) being subject to a pressure load on the first and second face, the longitudinal strain arising as a result of extension of the transducer patch (101) due to the Poisson effect.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a parameter of a sample has an optical sensor in the form of a monofibre waveguide having a distal end coated with a film that is placed in a sample. The waveguide has an input channel connected to a radiation light source and an output channel connected to a photodiode and amplifier to receive signals representative of the interference patterns created at the interface between the film and the sample. A computer receives the signals via an analogue to digital converter for processing the information and providing a measurement of the parameter. The measurement of the parameter may be used to control a process or system.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a parameter of a sample has an optical sensor in the form of a monofibre waveguide having a distal end coated with a film that is placed in a sample. The waveguide has an input channel connected to a radiation light source and an output channel connected to a photodiode and amplifier to receive signals representative of the interference patterns created at the interface between the film and the sample. A computer receives the signals via an analogue to digital converter for processing the information and providing a measurement of the parameter. The measurement of the parameter may be used to control a process or system.