Abstract: The optical fiber sensor is formed from an optical fiber having a light conducting optical fiber core, and a coating of cladding material, with a length of a sensing material matrix applied to the distal portion of the optical fiber core. The method involves removing a length of the cladding material from the distal portion of the optical fiber to expose a distal tip of the optical fiber core, applying a sensing material matrix to the exposed distal portion of the optical fiber core, and applying a coating of reflective material over the sensing material matrix.

Abstract: The system for measuring the concentration of oxygen in a fluid sample which may also contain halothane includes a sensor having a matrix containing a first indicator dye which fluoresces at a known wavelength when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength and containing a second indicator dye which fluoresces at a different emission wavelength upon irradiation with light of a similar or different specific wavelength. The fluorescence of the first and second indicator dyes are quenched to a different degree by the presence of oxygen, but the fluorescence of the indicator dyes is quenched to the same degree by halothane. Means are provided for irradiating the indicator dyes in the matrix with the appropriate wavelengths of light, and means are provided for measuring the resultant intensity of fluorescence of the indicator dyes at the different wavelengths of fluorescence.