Optical chemical sensors enlarge the definition of a classical chemical sensor; they present results in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) aspect. They can determine parameters of micro and macro scale objects without using a lot of electronic equipment.
This article is focused on sensors based on porphyrin derivatives and europium complexes, being the most frequently used substances sensitive to oxygen concentration, pressure and temperature changes. Along with the presentation of characteristics of substances employed to sensors’ construction, also the general principle of luminescent sensors operation, composition and operation range of selected mono- and bifunctional luminescent sensors are described; moreover the selected achievements, such as the “traffic light” sensor are shown.
