4D Optical fibers based on shape-memory polymers

Abstract

Adaptative objects based on shape-memory materials are expected to significantly impact numerous technological sectors including optics and photonics. In this work, we demonstrate the manufacturing of shape-memory optical fibers from the thermal stretching of additively manufactured preforms. First, we show how standard commercially-available thermoplastics can be used to produce long continuously-structured microfilaments with shape-memory abilities. Shape recovery as well as programmability performances of such elongated objects are assessed. Next, we open the way for light-guiding multicomponent fiber architectures that are able to switch from temporary configurations back to user-defined programmed shapes. In particular, we show that distinct designs of fabricated optical fibers can maintain efficient light transmission upon completion of multiple temperature-triggered bending/straightening cycles. Such fibers are also programmed into more complex shapes including coils or near 180 ° curvatures for delivering laser light around obstacles. Finally, a shape-memory exposed-core fiber is employed in fiber evanescent wave spectroscopy experiments to optimize the performance of the sensing scheme. We strongly expect that such actuatable fibers with light-guiding abilities will trigger exciting progress of unprecedented smart devices in the areas of photonics, electronics, or robotics.