Good question, and not always easily answered. Many medical products employing a sensing function are designed for single use; hence, sensor cost is an important consideration in the development of these products. Fiber Optic Sensors can – particularly in the case of Pressure and Temperature Sensors - cost more than traditional semiconductor-based sensors, in part because optical fiber costs more than wire, and optical connectors cost more than electrical connectors. For other Fiber Optic Sensors, such as the Oxygen Sensor, cost may be less than traditional oxygen sensor technologies.

There are some general guidelines for determining whether Fiber Optic Sensors are appropriate for your application:

• Does your application require very small sensor size?
• Does your application require high performance (i.e., frequency response, accuracy, stability etc.)?
• Does your application require a rugged sensor?
• Does your application require immunity from electrical and magnetic noise?
  

If you answered ’yes’ to one or more of these questions, then Fiber Optic Sensors may be right for you.