Piezooptic Sensor Materials for a Robotic Tactile Array.

摘要

The piezooptic response of several isotropic materials has been investigated. A microminiature force/pressure sensor has been constructed which accurately measures applied pressures from 0 to 500 million dynes per square centimeter. The sensor uses entirely optical means to measure pressure at the sensing site. It can, therefore, be used in a vacuum, hazardous environments, or places where electrical connection would be impossible or inconvenient. The sensor is only a 3 mm cube and can be made larger or smaller. The materials and techniques investigated in the Phase I program can be used to implement extremely small sensors which use optics rather than electronic means to sense pressure. Their small size makes them attractive candidates for further development as tactile array sensors and IOC sensors. These piezooptic sensors can provide tactile resolution of less than 3 mm, which is considered the upper end of the spatial requirements for such a sensor, and they can be scaled up or down in terms of the range of pressures or forces they can sense.