I am looking to devise a level tracking system using arduino and some sensors. My particular situation is I have solute that is coming out of solution and I want to track the formation rate of the solid phase as the salts settle at the bottom and build a bed of particulates.
I am looking for precision at about 0.5mm and over a range of like 6 inches. My initial idea was to get a sensor bar that could detect when and where light is hitting the sensor and post processes that signal. I have to design this device to sit outside the cylindrical vessel. The solvent is transparent so any form of light would work. I am stuck on finding the parts that could pull this off and I was hoping the more experienced community could point in the right direction.
* UPDATE *
a little cartoon for a clearer picture of the idea I am leaning towards capacitance since using light seems like a rabbit hole. I was playing with some foil and it may work but I need a much more sensitive tool on the order of pico-Farads to work.