Abstract
We present a new procedure for protecting micro-optical fibers (tapered fibers) by using the 3-dimension (3D) printing technology. A standard single-mode optical fiber was tapered down to the diameter of 1 µm and embedded in a polymeric matrix obtained by an additive manufacturing routine. We show that the proposed structure protects the fiber taper against environmental humidity while keeping permeability to gas flow and the possibility of the realization of gas detection experiments. To our knowledge, this is the first time 3D printed casings were applied to protect fiber tapers from humidity deterioration. We envisage this new approach will allow the development of new fiber taper devices to better resist in humid environments.
Highlights
The field of optic fiber sensors has experienced significant development, and nowadays, it consists of a highly active scientific and technological area
We propose the utilization of 3D printing technology for the protection of optical fiber tapers
The method used is more straightforward than other taper protection techniques because it avoids the need for chemical processes as it is wholly based on the production of taper cages in a commercial 3D printer
Summary
The field of optic fiber sensors has experienced significant development, and nowadays, it consists of a highly active scientific and technological area. Thin silica fibers can have remarkably high mechanical strength, which can be even greater than those of steel or Kevlar with similar diameters [15] They should be protected against humidity and dust to avoid degradation and increased optical loss. For the first time, we propose the use of 3D printing technology for creating housings for fiber tapers (taper cages) Under this approach, we show that the taper cages can be used to protect the waveguide against humidity while keeping the possibility of gas diffusion, as required for gas sensing. We demonstrate the possibility of acetylene (C2H2) detection We envisage that this new methodology will provide novel opportunities in the design of tapered fibers devices with increased resistance to humidity deterioration and is able to perform gas sensing activities
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