An array waveguide sensor for artificial optical skins

We present a concept for an artificial optical skin, a flexible foil in which a novel type of optical force sensing elements is integrated. The principle relies on the change in coupling between two arrays of crossing polymer waveguides separated by a thin layer of soft silicone. When the exerted pressure is increasing, the distance between the waveguides decreases and consequently power is transmitted from one to another. A process flow to produce a proof of principle demonstrator with arrays of TruemodeTM waveguides embedded in silicone is described. In a second approach also the waveguides are fabricated in silicone using an embossing technique.