Multifunctional Flexible and Wearable Sensing System Based on Optical Microfiber Interferometry

Abstract

Optical segments based flexible systems are the key for the development of futuristic advanced wearable devices for health monitoring, robotics, and ultraprecision positioning in industrial applications. Here, we have demonstrated an processed optical microfiber based multifunctional sensing system, which overcomes the various limitations of most widely reported electronics and material-based flexible devices. By optimizing the position of the post processed microfiber configuration in optimized Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thickness and controlling the interference between the fundamental mode and higher order modes of microfiber to form and tunable interference pattern, we are able to make an efficient, simple, flexible and economical optical wearable vector bending system with a sensitivity as high as 1.01nm/degree. In addition, this skinmountable sensing sensor shows a remarkable and ultrasensitivity of -3.07 nm/oC. This ultrahigh sensitivity, mechanical robustness, with the excellent flexible and biocompatible nature also makes this sensing system a dominant candidate for wearable medical devices for elder-care facilities, physioclogical monitoring, athletic training, and rehabilitation program.