Optical pressure sensor for prosthetic use via light transport in deformable porous media: Monte Carlo-based sensitivity analysis

Robust and sensitive pressure sensors are highly desirable in various bionic prosthetic and robotics applications. One promising approach involves optical pressure sensors that analyze light propagation through transparent porous media. Theoretical analysis of such media is generally complicated by the chaotic arrangement and geometric dimensions of the pores, as well as the potential presence of internal scattering within the sample material. In this study, the split-voxel Monte Carlo (SVMC) algorithm was used to accurately describe light propagation at pore surfaces. Simulations were carried out to model the operation of an optical pressure sensor based on porous media, in configurations detecting both diffusely reflected and transmitted signals, and the optimal characteristics of the porous substance were determined. The developed methodology facilitates the optimization of materials for optical pressure sensors, maximizing their sensitivity to specific external forces.