Distributed Strain Sensor Based on Self‐Powered, Stretchable Mechanoluminescent Optical Fiber

Abstract

The ability to locate and quantify large strains will significantly improve the real‐world application scenario of flexible and stretchable strain sensors. However, current methods for implementing stretchable distributed strain sensing still face challenges such as complicated demodulation, multisensor crosstalk, and high power consumption. Herein, a self‐powered and stretchable optical fiber strain sensor is reported with distributed sensing capability based on mechanoluminescent optical fiber, where mechanoluminescent phosphors with different emission color light are discretely integrated onto the outer cladding of the elastomer optical fiber. Based on the wavelength coding technique and time‐domain filtering comparison method, the capability of strain magnitude quantification (10–60%) and strain location identification together in a single stretchable optical fiber is successfully realized, even at multiple positions simultaneously in the strain‐applied situation. Moreover, this stretchable optical fiber strain sensor shows insensitivity to bending, compression, and temperature disturbances and outstanding durability (>8000 cycles). Due to the excellent light confinement of the elastomer optical fiber, demonstrations such as bright‐field measurement, saline water operation, and wearable glove application exhibit its potential as a promising technology for future self‐powered distributed optical sensing systems.

A Review of Wearable Optical Fiber Sensors for Rehabilitation Monitoring

“…In the future, the design and manufacturing of wearable fiber optic sensors must balance performance with cost-effectiveness. Advancements and innovations in technology will likely make future fiber optic sensors more efficient and cost-effective, expanding their use in clinical and rehabilitation fields [ 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 ].…”

Visible-to-Near-Infrared Mechanoluminescence in Bi-Activated Spinel Compounds for Multiple Information Anticounterfeiting

“…Mechanoluminescence (ML) is a phenomenon whereby materials (mostly solids) emit light in response to mechanical stimuli, such as friction, tension, compression, impact, bending, and ultrasound. − Since two classic ML materials, SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 2+ (green, 520 nm) and ZnS:Mn 2+ (yellow, 585 nm), − were reported by Xu et al in 1999, MLs have attracted tremendous interest and passion from researchers. Because of their high recoverability, stability, sensitivity, and real-time capabilities, elastic MLs (EMLs) reveal potential application values in the fields of information anticounterfeiting, − stress sensing, flexible sensors, and wearable devices . Consequently, innumerable emerging EMLs have been developed one after another, with their luminescence characteristics and relevant mechanisms gradually being unveiled.…”