Bead-based optical fiber arrays for artificial olfaction.

This review describes recent advances in using bead-based optical sensor arrays for performing vapor sensing. Sensor arrays based on the mammalian olfactory system have been employed for nearly three decades. Problems with reproducibility, sensor training, and sensitivity have relegated these types of sensors to specialized applications. Optical sensor arrays based on fluorescent microspheres address many of these shortcomings. These sensors provide both spectral and temporal responses resulting in information-rich data that can be processed to identify both simple and complex vapors. Sensor responses can be summed to provide enhanced sensitivity. Portable instrumentation enables the sensor arrays to be used for important field applications. Finally, the artificial nose arrays can be used to test hypotheses about the biological olfactory system.