In this issue of Optoelectronics World we look at detection methods that involve optical fibers. First up is a system of CCD cameras, optical-fiber bundles, and image- processing software that mimics the broad spectral response and high sensitivity of the human nose. Following that, we survey emerging varieties of integrated tap sensors for sensing power levels in optical fibers. We close this issue with a look at radiometric detectors recently developed as transfer standards at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Boulder, CO), which include a light-trap detector for angle insensitive power measurements.