| abstract |
Disclosed is an optical sensor ( 1 ) for detecting a chemical species, including:n a substrate ( 3 ); a mesoporous matrix ( 5 ) disposed on the substrate; a microporous matrix ( 7 ) disposed within the mesoporous matrix, the microporous matrix ( 7 ) including an indicator dye ( 9 ) dispersed therein, the indicator dye ( 9 ) exhibiting changes in its optical properties in response to the presence of the chemical species. |