What is an O2 Sensor?

A lambda sensor also known as an O2 sensor is a device that is used to evaluate the amount of oxygen or (O2) in whatever liquid is being evaluated, it is also used to measure the level of oxygen in gas. In the latter part of the 1960s the O2 sensor was developed by Robert Bosch GmbH which is a Germany technology based company that supplies automobile mechanisms. The development was supervised by Dr. Gunter Bauman.

The original sensing component is made with a white crystalline oxide of zirconium material or Zirconia that is made into a thimble shaped coat on both sides. It came in both heated and unheated types with a light coating of platinum.

In 1998 the planar type o2 sensor was introduced. These lessened the use of the original ceramic sensing component. This is also when the heater was integrated and thus producing a more efficient and competent o2 sensor. Internal combustion engines in vehicles are engines that burns fuel to create mechanical energy, in these engines there needs to be a perfect balance of fuel and oxygen. This is where the use of O2 sensors is most common.

In addition to being used in automobiles o2 sensors are also in diving equipment, the sensor is used to determine the partial pressure of oxygen in the mixture of gaseous chemicals that the divers use for respiration. The partial pressure refers to the level of pressure that the oxygen would have engaged had it been the only gas in the tank.

O2 sensors are also used in respirators; these are usually masks that are intended to filter the air intake or to provide a fresh supply of oxygen. Oxygen analysers additionally incorporates o2 sensors, they are commonly used in the medical field for the purpose of anesthesia monitors as well as oxygen concentrators. O2 sensors are mainly used in three types of technology; they are automotive technology, Diving technology and scientific technology.

In the automotive applications an o2 sensor is used mainly within the engine to regulate fuel injection and emissions. Within the Diving technology the O2 sensor is used to analyse the application of what is called breathing gas. The scientific application consists of the use of O2 sensors in marine biology which is the study of sea life.

Within this field the sensor is used to measure respiratory patterns of different kind of sea life. In addition to marine biology, o2 sensors are also used as electrodes and oxygen opt odes wherein the electrode is used to measure oxygen on a platinum surface. And the opt ode is used to optically measure the focus of oxygen. In essence oxygen can be measured in numerous ways; however the more popular is through the use of O2 sensors.