Automatic diagnostic by using a new optical sensor

The authors present in this paper some interesting results relating to an innovative device for automatic diagnostic. The system is composed by a robotic arm that accurately moves an optical sensor for automatic diagnostic through the inspection on the presence of notches on a mechanical beam. The optical sensor is composed of an optical fiber source made up of nanocomposite material, a PDMS-Au tip that may enhance the light and a receiver optical fiber sheaf. The new system allows analyzing the characteristics of the target by monitoring the backscattered light. The sensor motion is realized by using a robotic arm whose gripper catches and moves the optical sensor. The device has been evaluated in order to analyze its ability for detecting small notches on a mechanical component.