Optical fibers production performed by 3D printing

Optical fibers production by 3D printingA new technique of 3D printing application has been developed to produce optical fiber preforms. Usually, they are used as the backbone of the global telecommunications network. It is planned that this fiber optic technology allows not only making optical fiber production easier but also opening up new designs and applications impossible before.

The traditional creation of silica optical fibers is based on “the labor-intensive process of spinning tubes on a lathe, which requires the fiber’s core or cores to be precisely centered”. Nevertheless, modern fiber optic technology does not require centering the fiber geometry. As a result, scientists can overcome some optical fiber limitations in design and the reduction of manufacturing costs.

A group of researchers from Australia has succeeded in making the first silica optical fibers by 3D printing. It should be noted that the 3D printing technique for optical fiber manufacturing may change the entire approach to fiber optic design and goal. For instance, it is possible to enlarge the applications of fiber optic sensors that significantly overpass their electronic equivalents relatively to longevity, calibration, and maintenance. However, fiber sensors haven’t been widely employed because of their expensive fabrication.

Herewith, the developed fiber optic technology is based on the previous work in which polymer material was applied to show the first optical fiber produced from a 3D printed performer. Nevertheless, this research faced several material problems including the high temperatures (higher than 1900 °C) required to 3D print optical fibers.

New optical fibers are produced by a unique heating step (debinding) to take away the polymer and leave behind only the silica nanoparticles, which are put together by intermolecular forces. Then the nanoparticles transform into a solid structure by raising the temperature. Therefore, it could be installed into a draw tower where it is heated and pulled to produce the optical fiber.

Finally, the new technique enables the researchers to create a preform equivalent of a traditional optical fiber that could be employed to produce multi- or single-mode fibers, depending on drawing conditions. The researchers confirm that this fiber optic technology demonstrates great results and can be used for a large variety of fiber optic material processing. Additionally, the production of optical fiber preforms by 3D printings is regarded to be a possible opportunity to replace the traditional methods of making optical fibers. Thus, not only fabrication and material costs of fiber optics but also labor costs will be reduced.

Optromix is a provider of top-quality special fibers and broad spectra optical fiber solutions. The company delivers the best quality special fibers and fiber cables, fiber optic bundles, spectroscopy fiber optic probes, probe couplers, and accessories for process spectroscopy to clients. If you have any questions or would like to buy an optical fiber product, please contact us at info@optromix.com

Fiber optic sensors detect sleep apnea syndrome

FBG sensors for sleep apnea detectionSleep apnea syndrome is regarded as a risk factor for traffic accidents because it leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. A fiber optic sensor based on optical fibers for sleep apnea syndrome has been tested in a clinical application varying in age from 13 to 78 years. Such a fiber sensor is perfect for preliminary sleep apnea syndrome screening because its respiratory disturbance index corresponds well with the apnea-hypopnea index.

The promising application of such fiber optic sensors includes a screening of patients suffered from the SAS during standard sleep at home. Moreover, the process of downsizing the optical fiber sensors results in the connection between PSG and pulse oximetry. The fiber sensor can be used to examine sleep apnea syndrome in children (2 – 12 years) providing improved pediatric analysis.

It should be noted that the novel fiber optic technology provides more accurate SAS results compared to the traditional sensing system. Additionally, the developed optical fiber sensor is considered to be non-invasive and non-restrictive, also it is quiet and compact, therefore, it is highly useful for the process of SAS screening during conventional sleep at home.

Fiber optic sensors provide a promising application for screening latent patients who suffered from sleep apnea syndrome during normal sleep. Optical fibers in such sensing systems are narrower and wider within several centimeters. Researchers use commercially affordable optical fibers for SAS screening. The operating principle of fiber sensors is based on the measurement of the deviation of output optical power from an optical fiber sheet by micro-bending loss and/or bending loss.

Significant benefits of fiber optic sensing systems include no need for a patient to use any specific clothing or devices because the measurement results are transmitted to a remote place for further analysis and diagnosis. “The deviation in the output optical fiber power from the POF sheet due to micro-bending loss and/or bending loss caused by the lateral pressure change created by the motion of the person’s chest during respiration is measured.”

Also, the researchers have designed a multi-channel fiber optic sensor and applied it in a hotel, full medical check-up, and clinical test in pediatrics. The fiber optic sensing system demonstrated 38/42 42 examinees had  Pro-AHI > 5 and were suspected of sleep apnea syndrome. The fiber sensor has a compact size by it having only 15.3% of the volume of a standard sensing system that allows detecting sleep apnea syndrome. The obtained results show that the fiber optic system is perfect for preliminary SAS screening and monitoring of the respiration and heartbeat of neonates. 

Optromix is a manufacturer of innovative fiber optic products for the global market. The company provides the most technologically advanced fiber optic solutions for clients. Optromix produces a wide range of fiber optic devices, including cutting-edge customized fiber optic Bragg grating product line and fiber Bragg grating sensor systems. Moreover, Optromix is a top choice among the manufacturers of fiber Bragg grating monitoring systems. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@optromix.com