We report chemical warfare agent (CWA and) Toxic Industrial Compound (TIC) detection with colorimetric dyes, dispersed in porous polymer coatings on long (>1 m) fibers, for lightweight remote fiber-based sensing exploiting optical fibers’ quality, length, and low weight/power requirements. Illuminating LED light travels longitudinally within the polymer fiber core and evanescently interacts with the colorimetric dyes, dispersed in a porous polymer cladding. Reflectivity and absorption, measured by a precise COTS sensor, change with small amounts of TICs or CWAs. The cladding regenerates its signal after ~15 minutes. Minimum Detectable Concentration is below 1 ppm for ammonia. We report chemical testing at 2 different facilities against 3 CWAs, 2 agent-relevant TICs, and ammonia as a control, and field trials. We plan applications in remote sensing, reconnaissance, perimeter and airborne sensing, detecting other toxic materials, and manufacturing. We acknowledge funding from DTRA.
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