Optical mouse as pH analyzer

Optical sensor for chemical analysis is a growing technology since it offers many advantages. The goal of this research is to achieve pH sensing using low-cost optoelectronics devices such as optical mouse, which consist of photodetector, light source and pre-installed optics. Colorimetric pH measurements were done with the optical mouse utilizing commercial pH test strips. All images were taken with an built-in image sensor of optical mice and several factors for image acquisition such as optical filter, light source and gray scale image analysis were evaluated. pH evaluation with spectrophotometer was also conducted and compared with data obtained with mice in a pH range between 2-12 providing reliable results.