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15 pages, 2463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement of the Effective Refractive Index of Suspensions Containing 5 µm Diameter Spherical Polystyrene Microparticles by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Scattering

by Osvaldo Rodríguez-Quiroz, Donato Luna-Moreno, Araceli Sánchez-Álvarez, Gabriela Elizabeth Quintanilla-Villanueva, Oscar Javier Silva-Hernández, Melissa Marlene Rodríguez-Delgado and Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu

Chemosensors 2025, 13(7), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13070257 - 15 Jul 2025

Viewed by 259

Abstract

Microplastics (MP) have been found not only in the environment but also in living beings, including humans. As an initial step in MP detection, a method is proposed to measure the effective refractive index of a solution containing 5 µm diameter spherical polystyrene [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MP) have been found not only in the environment but also in living beings, including humans. As an initial step in MP detection, a method is proposed to measure the effective refractive index of a solution containing 5 µm diameter spherical polystyrene particles (SPSP) in distilled water, based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique and Mie scattering theory. The reflectances of the samples are obtained with their resonance angles and depths that must be normalized and adjusted according to the reference of the air and the distilled water, to subsequently find their effective refraction index corresponding to the Mie scattering theory. The system has an optical sensor with a Kretschmann–Raether configuration, consisting of a semicircular prism, a thin gold film, and a glass cell for solution samples with different concentrations (0.00, 0.20, 0.05, 0.50, and 1.00%). The experimental result provided a good linear fit with an R² = 0.9856 and a sensitivity of 7.2863 ×

10^{- 5}

RIU/% (refractive index unit per percentage of fill fraction). The limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 0.001% and 0.0035%, respectively. The developed optomechatronic system and its applications based on the SPR and Scattering enabled the effective measurement of the refractive index and concentration of solutions containing 5 µm diameter SPSP in distilled water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopic Techniques for Chemical Analysis)

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23 pages, 4143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Low-Cost Optomechatronic Diffuse Optical Mammography System for 3D Image Reconstruction: Proof of Concept

by Josué D. Rivera-Fernández, Alfredo Hernández-Mendoza, Diego A. Fabila-Bustos, José M. de la Rosa-Vázquez, Macaria Hernández-Chávez, Gabriela de la Rosa-Gutierrez and Karen Roa-Tort

Diagnostics 2025, 15(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15050584 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 893

Abstract

Background: The development and initial testing of an optomechatronic system for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images to identify abnormalities in breast tissue and assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer is presented. Methods: This system combines 3D reconstruction technology with [...] Read more.

Background: The development and initial testing of an optomechatronic system for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images to identify abnormalities in breast tissue and assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer is presented. Methods: This system combines 3D reconstruction technology with diffuse optical mammography (DOM) to offer a detecting tool that complements and assists medical diagnosis. DOM analyzes tissue properties with light, detecting density and composition variations. Integrating 3D reconstruction enables detailed visualization for precise tumor localization and sizing, offering more information than traditional methods. This technological combination enables more accurate, earlier diagnoses and helps plan effective treatments by understanding the patient’s anatomy and tumor location. Results: Using Chinese ink, it was possible to identify simulated abnormalities of 10, 15, and 20 mm in diameter in breast tissue phantoms from cosmetic surgery. Conclusions: Data can be processed using algorithms to generate three-dimensional images, providing a non-invasive and safe approach for detecting anomalies. Currently, the system is in a pilot testing phase using breast tissue phantoms, enabling the evaluation of its accuracy and functionality before application in clinical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Breast Imaging and Analytics)

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16 pages, 15984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Portable Optomechatronic System to Obtain the Characterization of Transparent Materials and Dielectric Thin Films

by Araceli Sánchez-Alvarez, Osvaldo Rodríguez-Quiroz, Gabriela Elizabeth Quintanilla-Villanueva, Melissa Marlene Rodríguez-Delgado, Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu, Oscar Javier Silva-Hernández and Donato Luna-Moreno

Optics 2024, 5(4), 595-610; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt5040044 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1272

Abstract

This paper outlines the design and fabrication of a portable optomechatronic system based on the theta-2theta configuration, which explores various optical characterization techniques for transparent materials and dielectric thin films. These techniques include Brewster angle and Abelès-Brewster angle measurements, critical angle measurements, and [...] Read more.

This paper outlines the design and fabrication of a portable optomechatronic system based on the theta-2theta configuration, which explores various optical characterization techniques for transparent materials and dielectric thin films. These techniques include Brewster angle and Abelès-Brewster angle measurements, critical angle measurements, and the surface plasmon resonance technique. The system consists of a mechanical assembly of rotating stages, a semiconductor laser, a photodiode connected to a data acquisition card, and a user interface for controlling the stepper motor rotation stages. Utilizing a BK7 substrate, the motorized stage achieved a resolution of 0.010. The Brewster angle measured was 56.550, with a refractive index (n) of 1.5137. The relative error obtained was Δn/n = 3.82 × 10⁻⁴, with a sensitivity of 164.27 RIU/degree and an accuracy of 0.37/degree. Furthermore, the discrepancies between theoretical and experimental refractive indices for different prisms at 639 nm ranged from ±7 × 10⁻⁴ to ±73 × 10⁻⁴. After testing various samples, the system demonstrated its capability to perform fast, precise, and non-invasive measurements. Its portability allows for use in diverse environments and applications. Full article

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17 pages, 2966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensquared Energy and Optical Centroid Efficiency in Optical Sensors: Part 1, Theory

by Marija Strojnik, Beethoven Bravo-Medina, Robert Martin and Yaujen Wang

Photonics 2023, 10(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10030254 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

High-performance megapixel focal plane arrays with small pixels have been widely used in modern optical remote sensing, astronomical, and surveillance instruments. In the prediction models applied in the traditional instrument performance analysis, the image of a point source is assumed to fall on [...] Read more.

High-performance megapixel focal plane arrays with small pixels have been widely used in modern optical remote sensing, astronomical, and surveillance instruments. In the prediction models applied in the traditional instrument performance analysis, the image of a point source is assumed to fall on the center of a detector pixel. A geometrical image of a point source in the realistic optical system may actually fall on any position on the detector pixel because the sensor’s line of sight includes pointing errors and jitter. This traditional assumption may lead to an optimistic error, estimated at between 10% and 20%. We present the critical factors that impact the performance estimate in a realistic instrument design based on the prediction for the noise-equivalent power (NEP). They are the optical centroid efficiency (OCE) and the ensquared energy, or more precisely, the energy on the rectangular detector pixel (EOD). We performed the simulation studies for imaging with an optical system with and without a generalized rectangular central obscuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in 3OM: Opto-Mechatronics, Opto-Mechanics, and Optical Metrology)

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17 pages, 7979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation, Analysis, and Experimentation of the Compliant Finger as a Part of Hand-Compliant Mechanism Development

by Dušan Stojiljković, Maša Milošević, Danijela Ristić-Durrant, Vlastimir Nikolić, Nenad T. Pavlović, Ivan Ćirić and Nikola Ivačko

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042490 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4155

Abstract

Compliant mechanisms are gaining popularity in many different fields, such as in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), medical applications and health care, opto-mechatronic technology, aerospace engineering, and semiconductor equipment. One of the areas for utilizing compliant mechanisms is building models of human hand counterparts. These [...] Read more.

Compliant mechanisms are gaining popularity in many different fields, such as in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), medical applications and health care, opto-mechatronic technology, aerospace engineering, and semiconductor equipment. One of the areas for utilizing compliant mechanisms is building models of human hand counterparts. These models are often used as grasping and rehabilitation devices. Because of their properties, creating a human hand counterpart with compliant mechanisms is a much better choice compared with the models with traditional mechanisms; it looks more realistic, and its movements are much more natural compared with models with a traditional mechanism. A method of modeling and designing such a bio-inspired mechanism, as well as its experimental analysis with various forces applied, is presented in this paper. Two prototypes of the compliant fingers were obtained by 3D printing, and the calculation of the bending angle values was achieved by applying image processing to camera images of the compliant fingers’ prototypes. Image processing was conducted on images taken for both loaded and unloaded 3D-printed compliant finger prototype positions. Finally, these bending angle results are compared with the results obtained by Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and experimental results acquired by a digital protractor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechatronics System Design in Medical Engineering)

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25 pages, 1121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring the V-Model for Optics: A Methodology for Optomechatronic Systems

by Peer-Phillip Ley, Marvin Knöchelmann, Alexander Wolf and Roland Lachmayer

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7798; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157798 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3224

Abstract

The integration of optical technologies into once purely mechatronic systems enables innovative functions, but simultaneously increases the complexity of previous mechatronic system development. Therefore, a process has been elaborated to develop these so-called optomechatronic systems by Knöchelmann at the Institute of Product Development [...] Read more.

The integration of optical technologies into once purely mechatronic systems enables innovative functions, but simultaneously increases the complexity of previous mechatronic system development. Therefore, a process has been elaborated to develop these so-called optomechatronic systems by Knöchelmann at the Institute of Product Development at Leibniz University Hanover, which is based on the V-Model of VDI 2206 and can be applied to various fields of application. For a target-oriented development in a specific product context and for systems with competing main requirements, detailing and adapting the process is recommended. High-resolution lighting systems are one of them, where requirements for high optical efficiency and image quality lead to a conflict of objectives. Focusing on the optics domain, Ley elaborated methods for the preliminary and detailed design of high-resolution lighting systems to address the aforementioned conflict of objectives. This contribution focuses on the integration of Ley’s design methods into Knöchelmann’s process model within the phases of system design and domain-specific design, allowing us to analyze the impact of the system design on the fulfillment of main requirements to achieve an optimal solution of the conflict of objectives. To illustrate this, the integrated process model is described using an example from automotive lighting technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Optomechatronics)

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16 pages, 5450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Opto-Mechatronics System for Train-Track Micro Deformation Sensing

by Weibing Gan, Shiyu Tu, Yuan Tao, Lingyun Ai, Cui Zhang and Jianguan Tang

Sensors 2022, 22(1), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22010296 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an opto-mechatronics system to detect the micro-deformation of tracks caused by running trains. The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array acting as sensing elements has a low peak reflectivity of around −40 dB. The center wavelengths [...] Read more.

In this paper, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an opto-mechatronics system to detect the micro-deformation of tracks caused by running trains. The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array acting as sensing elements has a low peak reflectivity of around −40 dB. The center wavelengths were designed to alternate between 1551 nm and 1553 nm at 25 °C. Based on dual-wavelength, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)/time-division multiplexing (TDM) hybrid networking, we adopted optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) technology and a wavelength-scanning interrogation method to achieve FBG array signal demodulation. The field experimental results showed that the average wavelength shift of the FBG array caused by the passage of the lightest rail vehicle was −225 pm. Characteristics of the train-track system, such as track occupancy, train length, number of wheels, train speed, direction, and loading can be accurately obtained in real time. This opto-mechatronics system can meet the requirements of 600 mm spatial resolution, long distance, and large capacity for monitoring the train-track system. This method exhibits great potential for applications in large-scale train-track monitoring, which is meaningful for the safe operation of rail transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)

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10 pages, 7996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Real-Time Automated System for Dual-Aperture Common-Path Interferometer Phase-Shifting

by Antonio Barcelata-Pinzón, Ricardo Iván Álvarez-Tamayo and Patricia Prieto-Cortés

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7438; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167438 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2486

Abstract

We report a novel fully real-time automatized optomechatronic dual-aperture common-path interferometer system for obtaining the phase difference between two interferograms by using the technique of phase-shifting interferometry. A motorized system is used to shift an additional phase transversally to the optical axis by [...] Read more.

We report a novel fully real-time automatized optomechatronic dual-aperture common-path interferometer system for obtaining the phase difference between two interferograms by using the technique of phase-shifting interferometry. A motorized system is used to shift an additional phase transversally to the optical axis by ruling translation. For each high-resolution ruling displacement step of 0.793 μm, an interferogram is recorded by a CCD camera. The phase difference between the two successive recorded interferograms is then automatically calculated by computational self-calibrated algorithms. The proposed device provides more accurate measuring than typically used manual processes. Real-time phase differences are obtained from a robust low-cost optomechatronic system. Analytical calculation of the phase is performed automatically without the requirement of additional or external tools and processes, reducing the significant rework delay. A set of 47 interferograms were captured in real time then recorded and analyzed, obtaining an average phase shifting of 2.483 rad. Analytic explanation and experimental results are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical In-Process Measurement Systems)

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12 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advances in Optomechatronics: An Automated Tilt-Rotational 3D Scanner for High-Quality Reconstructions

by Silvia Logozzo, Maria Cristina Valigi and Gabriele Canella

Photonics 2018, 5(4), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics5040042 - 29 Oct 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4857

Abstract

3D vision systems are more and more required in a large variety of applications and mostly for mechanical and medical purposes. This paper presents the study and realization of a prototype of a structured light automated tilt-rotational 3D vision system for high-quality reconstructions [...] Read more.

3D vision systems are more and more required in a large variety of applications and mostly for mechanical and medical purposes. This paper presents the study and realization of a prototype of a structured light automated tilt-rotational 3D vision system for high-quality reconstructions of components of various sizes and in cases of freeform and complex surfaces. The main goal of this research work was to develop an instrument with the following main novelties: configurability for different object sizes, high precision and resolution levels and ability to automatically generate the mesh representing the full scanned objects without any intervention of the operator by means of a 2 degrees of freedom automated tilt-rotational mechanical positioning system. A detailed analysis of the instrument and the procedures and results of the performance tests are presented, together with the examination of possible strategies to obtain a better performance, especially by the calibration and the synchronization between the optical and the mechanical systems. As a result, the prototype and the performance parameters resulting from the experimental campaigns, are reported. Full article

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22 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessReview

Laser‐Self‐Mixing Interferometry for Mechatronics Applications

by Simona Ottonelli, Maurizio Dabbicco, Francesco De Lucia, Michela Di Vietro and Gaetano Scamarcio

Sensors 2009, 9(5), 3527-3548; https://doi.org/10.3390/s90503527 - 12 May 2009

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 14486

Abstract

We report on the development of an all-interferometric optomechatronic sensor for the detection of multi-degrees-of-freedom displacements of a remote target. The prototype system exploits the self-mixing technique and consists only of a laser head, equipped with six laser sources, and a suitably designed [...] Read more.

We report on the development of an all-interferometric optomechatronic sensor for the detection of multi-degrees-of-freedom displacements of a remote target. The prototype system exploits the self-mixing technique and consists only of a laser head, equipped with six laser sources, and a suitably designed reflective target. The feasibility of the system was validated experimentally for both single or multi-degrees-of-freedom measurements, thus demonstrating a simple and inexpensive alternative to costly and bulky existing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Italy)

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