Systems and methods may provide for receiving an electrical measurement signal from a first photodetector coupled to a first waveguide and determining a total intensity level of reflected light in the first waveguide based on the electrical measurement signal. Additionally, a perspiration level of skin in contact with the first waveguide may be determined based on the total intensity level of the reflected light in the first waveguide. In one example, an electrical control signal is received from a second photodetector coupled to a second waveguide that is physically isolated from the skin, wherein the total intensity level of the reflected light in the first waveguide is determined further based on the electrical control signal.
