Abstract: An optical strain gauge for measuring strain and torque on a rotating member. The apparatus includes a plurality of electrically resistive torque sensing elements secured to a rotating shaft which generate an output signal to a light. The magnitude of the light varies in accordance with the torque or strain sensed by the sensing elements. The optical signal transmitted by the light is received by an optical transmitting element having a plurality of fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands pick up the received light and transmit the light to a photo sensing element which then transmits the signal to an intensity meter. The intensity meter provides an indication of the magnitude of the optical signal, and thus the magnitude of the sensed torque or strain. The apparatus does not require conventional slip rings or other like devices and is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference or other objectionable electrical phenomena.