Fiber-optic evaporation analysis of environmental parameters and of synthetic urine samples

The evaporation rate of water droplets is evaluated as a function of temperature and relative humidity using a fiber-optic sensor. Either parameter may be monitored when the other is known, with uncertainties of 0.5 deg. C or 1.5% relative humidity. Further, the sensor is used in the analysis of negative control synthetic solutions, made to mimic human urine. Samples of binary mixtures of the solution with water at different volume ratios are categorized using correlation analysis of the recorded evaporation dynamics, with 87% success. The results represent an important first step towards potential use of the sensor in point-of-care diagnostics.