A Micro-Optical Transducer for Sensing Applications

Abstract

This article describes the design, development, and characterization of a miniaturized optical system that works as a part of a hybrid flexible system, where electrical signals, generated by tactile micro-sensors, are computed by a microcontroller driving the micro-optical transducer. The whole module was conceived to be mass-produced for sensing applications where flexibility and thickness of the sensing network are primary requirements, e.g., skin-like sensing structures for robotics. The fabricated micro-optical system fulfilled application requirements, demonstrating also appealing features and optical performances as a basic general-purpose optical terminal.