Miniaturization of Ocean Sensors Based on Optofluidic Technology: A Review

TL;DR

This review discusses how optofluidic technology can miniaturize ocean sensors for better environmental monitoring.

Contribution

The paper highlights recent advances in optofluidic ocean sensors and their potential for integration into micro robots and submersibles.

Findings

Optofluidic systems offer high sensitivity and low power consumption for ocean parameter monitoring.

Recent innovations enable real-time and on-site detection of chemical parameters in ocean environments.

Optofluidics is seen as key for compact, high-performance ocean sensors in future submersible technologies.

Abstract

The miniaturization of ocean parameter monitors is critical for environmental monitoring and oceanographic research. In recent years, rapid developments in data processing, artificial intelligence, micro-nano manufacturing and advanced materials have significantly improved sensing accuracy while reducing device size. The detection of key ocean parameters such as temperature, salinity, pressure, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, nutrients, chlorophyll and so on is facilitated by these innovations. Among these emerging technologies, microfluidics and optofluidics have attracted large attention in the fields of biomedicine and environmental monitoring. These platforms have the advantages of high sensitivity, low power consumption and easy integration. Real-time and on-site monitoring can be achieved by them. Optofluidic technology shows great prospects for ocean sensing applications. Recent advances in optofluidic ocean sensors for the measurement of chemical parameters and their future potential are highlighted in this review. Ultimately, it presents the key role of optofluidic systems in realizing compact high-performance ocean parameter sensors. This plays an important role in paving the way for their integration into micro robots and the fourth generation of submersibles based on live fish.

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