Tactile sensing with stress and temperature sensing as
core elements
have shown promising prospects in intelligent robots and the human–machine
interface. Mechanoluminescence (ML)-based stress sensing can realize
the direct sensing of mechanical stimulation, whereas indirect temperature
sensing based on luminescent sensing materials usually requires the
stimulation of extra light or force. Herein, a trap-controlled material
Sr2MgAl22O36:Mn2+ with
bifunctional mechano/thermal sensing applications was developed and
investigated in detail. Visualized bright green-emitting ML and thermally
stimulated luminescence (TSL) directly and rapidly responded to mechano/thermal
dual stimulation in the Sr2MgAl22O36:Mn2+/PDMS composite film. It is worth mentioning that
this study proposed a new idea of direct temperature sensing by the
initial intensity of TSL due to thermal–photo energy conversion,
unlike previous temperature sensor technology. Based on this, we designed
a flexible optical skin with a simple structure and verified its application
prospect as a tactile sensing material with dual mechano/thermal response,
establishing a unique imaging mode and providing a convenient, reliable,
and sensitive way to remotely visualize the distribution of stress
and temperature. This study paves a new way for the development of
optical skins with simple structures and sensitive visibility in the
application of intelligent robot tactile sensing.