Abstract: Presented is a strain measurement transducer incorporating a load-beam subject to deflection when a load is applied, and a non-load-bearing beam mounted on the load beam in a manner to preclude displacement of the non-load-bearing beam when the load beam is displaced. A source of light is mounted on the non-load-bearing beam, cooperating with an optical mask, to project a beam of light energy which impinges onto a set of multiple photodiodes in proportion to the degree of displacement of the photodiodes with the load-bearing beam in relation to the stationary source of the light energy. The photodiodes transmit electrical signals proportional to the degree of illumination to an electronic circuit that processes the signals and indicates the magnitude of the load imposed on the load beam, or indicates its deflection in a selected unit of measurement.