An optical link, based on a conventional Scotch tape waveguide, for sensing applications\nrequiring rapid on-site assembly is proposed and demonstrated. The flexible waveguide contains\nan integrated aluminum one-dimensional grating coupler that, when stuck on the radiative surface\nof a light emitting device, allows light to be coupled in and transmitted through the tape, whose\ntip end is, in turn, adhered onto the photosensitive surface of a photodetector. The (de)coupling\napproaches exhibit high alignment tolerances that permit the formation of a free-standing flexible\noptical connection between surface-normal optoelectronic devices without the need of specialized\nequipment. As the first demonstration of a sensing application, the proposed optical link is easily\nconfigured as a cost-effective intensity-based refractometric sensor for liquid detection, which can be\napplicable to on-site quality and process control of, for example, beverages.
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