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High-Efficiency Fluorescent-Coupled Optical Fiber Passive Tactile Sensor with Integrated Microlens for Surface
Penghui Dai1, Chunlei Jiang1, Bingjie Bi1
1College of Electrical and Information Engineering, SANYA Offshore Oil and Gas Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 26, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a flexible tactile sensor using ZnS:Cu@Al2O3/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and optical fibers. A microsphere lens enhances sensitivity, enabling practical applications in photonic skin and robotic perception.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Integrating flexible matrices with optical fibers is key for passive sensors.
- Low fluorescence coupling efficiency limits sensor sensitivity.
- Microsphere lenses can enhance optical coupling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a passive, flexible mechanoluminescent tactile sensor (MLTS) with improved sensitivity.
- To investigate the use of a microsphere lens to enhance fluorescence coupling efficiency.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance in tactile sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microsphere lens at the fiber end to improve fluorescence coupling.
- Embedding a fiber microsphere probe within a ZnS:Cu@Al2O3/PDMS film with a pyramid surface structure.
- Characterization of the MLTS's pressure sensing capabilities, response times, durability, and tactile discrimination.
Main Results:
- A 21.585% enhancement in fluorescence coupling efficiency was achieved using the microsphere lens.
- The MLTS exhibited rapid response times (250 ms loading, 200 ms unloading) and over 2000 cycles of durability.
- The sensor successfully distinguished Braille patterns and sandpapers based on mechanoluminescent signals.
Conclusions:
- The developed MLTS offers high sensitivity, rapid response, and durability for tactile sensing.
- The microsphere lens integration effectively overcomes fluorescence coupling limitations.
- This self-powered, light-independent sensor shows promise for photonic skin and robotic tactile perception.
