In our latest paper, an optical pulse travels through a branched waveguide network. A ranging sensor made for consumer electronics is put to work measuring the arrival time distribution of the pulse after it splits and travels through branches with three different lengths. Rubber “switches” squeeze down on each branch when pressure is applied. This setup means a single optical sensor can monitor multiple pressure points in a system. Here, Dr. George Lin uses the setup to keep track of an object rolling around on a plate. Since the materials in the sensors are soft polymers, including the waveguide material, it’s a good match for soft robotics. It also works underwater.
Our low-level time-of-flight sensor reading code and sample data are available online.