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This paper presents the development of a bioinspired multifunctional flexible optical sensor (BioMFOS) as an ultrasensitive tool for force (intensity and location) and orientation sensing. The sensor structure is bioinspired in orb webs, which are multifunctional devices for prey capturing and vibration transmission. The multifunctional feature of the structure is achieved by using transparent resins that present both mechanical and optical properties for structural integrity and strain/deflection transmission as well as the optical signal transmission properties with core/cladding configuration of a waveguide. In this case, photocurable and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resins are used for the core and cladding, respectively. The optical transmission, tensile tests, and dynamic mechanical analysis are performed in the resins and show the possibility of light transmission at the visible wavelength range in conjunction with high flexibility and a dynamic range up to 150 Hz, suitable for wearable applications. The BioMFOS has small dimensions (around 2 cm) and lightweight (0.8 g), making it suitable for wearable application and clothing integration. Characterization tests are performed in the structure by means of applying forces at different locations of the structure. The results show an ultra-high sensitivity and resolution, where forces in the μN range can be detected and the location of the applied force can also be detected with a sub-millimeter spatial resolution. Then, the BioMFOS is tested on the orientation detection in 3D plane, where a correlation coefficient higher than 0.9 is obtained when compared with a gold-standard inertial measurement unit (IMU). Furthermore, the device also shows its capabilities on the movement analysis and classification in two protocols: finger position detection (with the BioMFOS positioned on the top of the hand) and trunk orientation assessment (with the sensor integrated on the clothing). In both cases, the sensor is able of classifying the movement, especially when analyzed in conjunction with preprocessing and clustering techniques. As another wearable application, the respiratory rate is successfully estimated with the BioMFOS integrated into the clothing. Thus, the proposed multifunctional device opens new avenues for novel bioinspired photonic devices and can be used in many applications of biomedical, biomechanics, and micro/nanotechnology.
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Supplementary information for Multifunctional flexible optical waveguide sensor: on the bioinspiration for ultrasensitive sensors development |
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Schematic representation of the sensor structure with the frame and radial elements. Figure also shows the mechanical representation of the structure with a mass on the center.
(a) Schematic representation of the core/cladding fabrication steps. (b) Representation of the batteries and µLED assembly in the structure, which is used as the light source of the optical system and proof mass of the structural design. Figure also shows a photograph of the BioMFOS.
Optical and mechanical characterizations of the resins (photocurable and PDMS resins). Transmittance spectra, Stress-strain curves, and DMA results are presented.
Transmitted optical power (converted into voltage in the photodetector unit) as a function of the applied force in different positions of the PDMS matrix. Figure also shows the force sensitivity of the sensors.
(a) Comparison between the BioMFOS responses (of three radial elements) and IMU for different positions/orientations in 3D plane. The directions of the orientation planes (roll, pitch, and yaw) are also shown. Figure inset shows the positions of the radial elements used in these tests. (b) Optical signal variation of 3 radial elements (sensors 1 to 3) as a function of the finger position, markers and bars represent the mean and standard deviation of the tests, respectively.
(a) Respiration rate assessment using the BioMFOS. (b) Trunk position classification using the BioMFOS integrated into clothing and PCA results for each trunk position.