Making Soft Optical Sensors More Wearable

Abstract

This paper discusses new components and approaches to make stretchable optical fiber sensors better meet the power and washability requirements of wearables. First, an allpolymer quick connector allows the light source and photosensor to be quickly detached for washing. Second, the paper investigates the possibility of driving the sensors using ambient light instead of an onboard light source. While optical strain sensors and touch sensors have advantages over electronic ones in wet environments, and the intrinsic stretchability of the fibers is useful for soft robotics and highly conformal wearables, the typical light-emitting diode (LED) light source consumes more power than an electronic resistive or capacitive strain sensor. In this work, ambient light of uniform but unknown intensity is demonstrated to drive an elastomeric optical touch sensor in a differential configuration.