Measurement heart rate based on plastic optical fiber sensor

Abstract

In this research, we measured heart rate by using sensors based on plastic optical fiber. These sensors are made from fiber optic material with three configurations, i.e., straight, sinusoidal, and spiral. Each sensor configuration was tested and paired in three positions of the human body, i.e., hand, chest, and neck. Each configuration and pairing position were tested for fast, normal, and slow heart rate condition. The light from the LED will propagate along the optical fiber sensor. If the sensor detects the heart rates, the intensity of light in optical fiber will be disrupted and causing loss of power so the light intensity will be smaller, it can be detected by the phototransistor and then converted into an electric voltage. The best measurement obtained in spiral configuration mounted on the neck in a slow heart rate condition with a sensitivity value 0.00231 V.s−1 and a resolution 0.43203 s. This sensor has the advantage of easy fabrication, low cost, real-time measurement, high sensitivity, easy to operate and can be monitored via computer.