An optical temperature sensing system based on encapsulation of a dye molecule in organosilica sol–gels

The design of an optical sensor system for detecting ambient temperature is reported. The sensor element comprises of a dye molecule encapsulated in a stable organosilica sol–gel matrix that exhibits changes in its color when subjected to temperature changes. These temperature-dependent changes in optical properties of the encapsulated dye are utilized to translate a thermal signal to an optical output for use as a simple optical temperature sensor. The response of the system is reversible with respect to variations in temperature. The results show that system may be used as a simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective temperature sensing device which may find potential utility in several specialized areas such as designs of embedded fiber optics sensors in civil infrastructures, sensors for underwater and marine environments as well as common uses related to display and alert systems for visual estimation of temperature.