Bare Fiber Research Articles

Effect of Organo Montmorillonite Nanoclay on Mechanical Properties Thermal Stability and Ablative Rate of Carbon fiber Polybenzoxazine Resin Composites

Organo-Montmorillonite (o-MMT) nanoclay added polybenzoxazine resin (type I composites) were prepared with varying amounts of clay (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 wt %). Clay dispersion, changes in curing behaviour and thermal stability were assessed in type I composites. Findings from these studies of type I composites were used to understand thermal stability, mechanical, and mass ablation rate behaviour of nanoclay added carbon fiber reinforced polybenzoxazine composites (type II). Interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength of type II composites increase by 25% and 27%, respectively at 2 wt% addition of clay. An oxy-acetylene torch test with a constant heat flux of 125 w/cm2 was used to investigate mass ablation rate of type II composites. The ablation rate has increased as the weight percentage of clay has increased. This is contradicting to type I composites with up to 6 wt% clay and type II composites with up to 4 wt% clay, which have improved thermal stability. The microstructure of the ablated composites was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Increased ablation rates are due to the reaction of charred matrix with nanoclay, which exposes bare fibers to the ablation front, resulting in higher mechanical erosion losses.

Polypyrrole-coated carbon fibre electrodes for paracetamol and clozapine drug sensing

Polypyrrole (PPy) fibre electrodes were studied to determine their ability to sense paracetamol (as a model drug) in the presence of the interferents dopamine and ascorbic acid. PPy was electropolymerised onto carbon fibres using cyclic voltammetry in the presence of two different counter anions: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). The surface of the PPy.SDS and PPy.KNO3 fibre electrodes was characterised using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The PPy.SDS-coated carbon fibre had a 14-fold larger electrochemical surface area compared to a bare carbon fibre (calculated using the Randles-Sevcik equation). The use of a large counter anion as dopant (dodecyl sulfate) produced fibres with a greater drug sensing response (cf. the use of smaller nitrate anion). The use of the PPy.SDS fibre electrode in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) allowed sensing of paracetamol with a detection limit (3σ S/N) of 34 µM. For the anodic peak current (0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl), a linear response range was observed for 50–500 µM. At a paracetamol concentration of 100 µM, the DPV anodic peak current (at 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl) was unaffected by the addition of interferents: 100 µM dopamine and 100 µM ascorbic acid. A real-world application of drug sensing was trialled with the anti-psychotic medication clozapine; where the PPy.SDS carbon fibre could sense clozapine with a detection limit of (3σ S/N) of 6 µM and a sensitivity of 15 μA cm−2 μmol−1 L.

Immunosensing Based on Optical Fiber Technology: Recent Advances.

The evolution of optical fiber technology has revolutionized a variety of fields, from optical transmission to environmental monitoring and biomedicine, given their unique properties and versatility. For biosensing purposes, the light guided in the fiber core is exposed to the surrounding media where the analytes of interest are detected by different techniques, according to the optical fiber configuration and biofunctionalization strategy employed. These configurations differ in manufacturing complexity, cost and overall performance. The biofunctionalization strategies can be carried out directly on bare fibers or on coated fibers. The former relies on interactions between the evanescent wave (EW) of the fiber and the analyte of interest, whereas the latter can comprise plasmonic methods such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized SPR (LSPR), both originating from the interaction between light and metal surface electrons. This review presents the basics of optical fiber immunosensors for a broad audience as well as the more recent research trends on the topic. Several optical fiber configurations used for biosensing applications are highlighted, namely uncladded, U-shape, D-shape, tapered, end-face reflected, fiber gratings and special optical fibers, alongside practical application examples. Furthermore, EW, SPR, LSPR and biofunctionalization strategies, as well as the most recent advances and applications of immunosensors, are also covered. Finally, the main challenges and an outlook over the future direction of the field is presented.

The Photobiomodulation Effect of 940nm Laser Irradiation on Enterococcus faecalis in Human Root Dentin Slices of Varying Thicknesses.

Introduction: An increase in dentine thickness could result in an inadequate depth of laser energy penetration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 940 nm laser on Enterococcus faecalis through varying thicknesses of human root dentin slices. Methods: Thirty-five dentin slices of root dentin with thicknesses ranging between 500 and 3000 µm were produced. Six experimental groups (500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 µm (n=5 each) were lased and the seventh, non-lased group served as the positive control with a dentine thickness of 2000 µm. The slices were inoculated with 2 µL of E. faecalis suspension of 1.5 × 108 E. faecalis cells/mL. All the lased slices were lased from the opposing side of the inoculation. A non-initiated 200 μm bare end fibre at the power of 1 W, in a continuous wave was used. Four doses of laser irradiation of 5 seconds with a side to side movement with the tip held at a 5º angle to the dentine slice were performed. The colony-forming units of E. faecalis were determined and the bacterial photobiomodulation effect analysed using one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni and Holm post hoc test at a significance level of P > 0.05. Results: There were statistical differences between the dentin slices of 500, 1000, and 1500 μm treated with the laser compared to the positive control (P < 0.01). However, there were no statistical differences between the lased 2000 and 2500 μm slices compared to the positive control. There was significantly more photobiomodulation of the E. faecalis for the dentine slices of 3000 μm than the positive control (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Laser treatment through dentine slices of 2000 μm and thinner significantly reduced bacterial growth. The photobiomodulation effects started to occur in dentine slices thicker than 2500 μm compared to the positive control.

Ten-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein with endovenous laser ablation (980 nm) using local tumescent anesthesia

ObjectiveThe long-term results of saphenofemoral ligation and stripping (SFL/S) were compared with 980-nm bare fiber endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. MethodsThis was a single-center, randomized, controlled trial with a follow-up time of 10 years. Patients with GSV incompetence were randomized to undergo SFL/S or EVLA under tumescent anesthesia. The primary outcome was recurrence of groin-related varicose veins seen on duplex ultrasound imaging and clinical examination. The secondary outcomes were (changes or improvement in) CEAP clinical class, venous symptoms, cosmetic results, quality of life, reinterventions, and complications. ResultsBetween June 2007 and December 2008, 122 patients (130 limbs) were included; of these, 68 limbs were treated with SFL/S and 62 limbs with EVLA. The 10-year estimated freedom from groin recurrence as seen on duplex ultrasound imaging was higher in the SFL/S group (73% vs 44% in the EVLA group; P = .002), and the same trend was seen for clinically evident recurrence (77% vs 58%, respectively; P = .034). Nine reinterventions (17%) were deemed necessary in the SFL/S group vs 18 (36%) in the EVLA group (P = .059). All reinterventions in the SFL/S group consisted of foam sclerotherapy. Reinterventions in the EVLA group included foam sclerotherapy (n = 5), crossectomy (n = 2), and endovenous procedures (n = 11). There was no significant differences in quality of life and relief of venous symptoms. Cosmetic appearance improved, with a better cosmetic rating in the SFL/S group compared with the EVLA group (P = .026). One patient in the SFL/S group had a persisting neurosensory deficit remaining at 10 years. ConclusionsThis study showed no clear long-term advantage of EVLA with a 980-nm wavelength and bare-tip fiber over high ligation and stripping of the GSV under local tumescent anesthesia.

Reduced Graphene Oxide Carbon Yarn Electrodes for Drug Sensing

A modified carbon fibre yarn sensor was developed for the voltammetric determination of paracetamol and its interferents (dopamine and ascorbic acid). Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was electrochemically deposited onto a carbon fibre yarn. Further modification was achieved using polypyrrole (PPy) coated onto the rGO carbon fibre yarn via electropolymerisation of pyrrole with cyclic voltammetry (CV). The surface of the rGO and PPy-rGO carbon fibre electrodes were characterised using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The rGO and PPy-rGO carbon fibres had a 3.5-fold and 7-fold larger electrochemical surface area compared to bare carbon fibre (calculated using the Randles-Sevcik equation). Two clearly distinguished oxidation peaks at 0.49 and 0.25 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) were observed at the rGO fibre electrode during the simultaneous detection of paracetamol and dopamine, respectively, by CV. The detection limit (3σ S/N) of the rGO carbon fibre electrode for differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) determination of paracetamol was at 21.1 and 6.0 µM for dopamine. In comparison, the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and dopamine by CV at the PPy-rGO fibre electrode gave oxidation peaks of paracetamol and dopamine at 0.55 and 0.25 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. The detection limit (3σ S/N) for paracetamol was notably improved to 3.7 µM and maintained at 6.0 µM for dopamine at the PPy-rGO carbon fibre electrode during DPV.

Carbon Nanotube Fibers Decorated with MnO2 for Wire-Shaped Supercapacitor.

Fibers made from CNTs (CNT fibers) have the potential to form high-strength, lightweight materials with superior electrical conductivity. CNT fibers have attracted great attention in relation to various applications, in particular as conductive electrodes in energy applications, such as capacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells. Among these, wire-shaped supercapacitors demonstrate various advantages for use in lightweight and wearable electronics. However, making electrodes with uniform structures and desirable electrochemical performances still remains a challenge. In this study, dry-spun CNT fibers from CNT carpets were homogeneously loaded with MnO2 nanoflakes through the treatment of KMnO4. These functionalized fibers were systematically characterized in terms of their morphology, surface and mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance. The resulting MnO2–CNT fiber electrode showed high specific capacitance (231.3 F/g) in a Na2SO4 electrolyte, 23 times higher than the specific capacitance of the bare CNT fibers. The symmetric wire-shaped supercapacitor composed of CNT–MnO2 fiber electrodes and a PVA/H3PO4 electrolyte possesses an energy density of 86 nWh/cm and good cycling performance. Combined with its light weight and high flexibility, this CNT-based wire-shaped supercapacitor shows promise for applications in flexible and wearable energy storage devices.

Electrochemical detection of flavin mononucleotide using mineral-filmed microelectrodes

• Hematite and maghemite were deposited onto carbon fiber microelectrode tips. • Square wave voltammetry was used to detect flavin mononucleotide. • Hematite-filmed microelectrodes have improved sensitivity, LOD, and LOQ. Microelectrodes with tip diameters of tens of micrometers have higher resolution and faster response times than traditional large electrodes with diameters of millimeters or centimeters. The response of the microelectrode can be improved with a thin film that has an affinity to the analyte of interest, flavin mononucleotide (FMN). FMN is an electron transfer mediator in biological systems. Previously, we have developed two methods of detecting FMN. We have shown that a bare carbon fiber microelectrode can be used to detect flavin and, in a follow-up study, we demonstrate that a thin film of hematite on a large glassy carbon electrode improves flavin detection. The technology for depositing minerals onto carbon microelectrode surfaces needs to be improved and applied to multiple minerals. We selected maghemite and hematite as minerals to deposit because of their affinity to redox active compounds. Our goal was to develop a technology to deposit a thin film of minerals (maghemite and hematite) to the bare carbon microelectrode tip. First, we optimized deposition conditions; then we compared the performance of these microelectrodes. The maghemite-filmed microelectrodes only improved the sensitivity of the microelectrode toward FMN at low concentrations as compared to the bare carbon fiber. Alternatively, hematite, deposited at the same conditions as maghemite, increased the sensitivity by 20-times, the limit of detection (LOD) by 7-times, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) by 7-times, compared to the bare carbon fiber microelectrode. Ultimately, a hematite film, deposited at pH 5 and −0.4 V Ag/AgCl, achieved a sensitivity of 14.1 ± 1.6nA/μM between 0.1 and 20 μM, an LOD of 0.018 μM, and a LOQ of 0.063 μM.

Temperature-insensitive FBG acceleration sensor based on strain chirp effect

The measurement of low-frequency vibration signals is a very important job in the fields of earthquake early warning, health monitoring of large-scale engineering structures, and geological exploration. Aiming at the problem of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) acceleration sensors’ cross-sensitivity to temperature and strain when measuring low-frequency vibration signals, this paper developed an M-shaped double cantilever beam structure that can produce chirp effect with its own structural characteristics, thereby making the sensor insensitive to temperature. Through theoretical analysis and simulation, the paper obtained the relationship between the reflection spectrum bandwidth of the chirped FBG and its acceleration. It adopted a spectrometer and a vibration test system to detect the reflection spectrum bandwidth of the FBG, and then obtained the acceleration. The experimental results showed that, compared with bare fiber grating, the temperature sensitivity of the proposed sensor was significantly lower, and its reflection spectrum bandwidth was not sensitive to temperature changes, moreover, there are good linear relationships between the reflection spectrum bandwidth, the power of the light, and the acceleration. The sensitivity was about 256 pm/g, the natural frequency was 66 Hz; therefore, the proposed sensor had realized high-performance detection of low-frequency vibration signals.

The Fiber Optic Reel System: A Compact Deployment Solution for Tethered Live-Telemetry Deep-Sea Robots and Sensors.

Tethered deep-sea robots and instrument platforms, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and vertical-profiling or towed instrument arrays, commonly rely on fiber optics for real-time data transmission. Fiber optic tethers used for these applications are either heavily reinforced load-bearing cables used to support lifting and pulling, or bare optical fibers used in non-load bearing applications. Load-bearing tethers directly scale operations for deep-sea robots as the cable diameter, mass, and length typically require heavy winches and large surface support vessels to operate, and also guide the design of the deep-sea robot itself. In an effort to dramatically reduce the physical scale and operational overhead of tethered live-telemetry deep-sea robots and sensors, we have developed the Fiber Optic Reel System (FOReelS). FOReelS utilizes a customized electric fishing reel outfitted with a proprietary hollow-core braided fiber optic fishing line and mechanical termination assembly (FOFL), which offers an extremely small diameter (750 μm) load-bearing (90 lb/400 N breaking strength) tether to support live high-bandwidth data transmission as well as fiber optic sensing applications. The system incorporates a novel epoxy potted data payload system (DPS) that includes high-definition video, integrated lighting, rechargeable battery power, and gigabit ethernet fiber optic telemetry. In this paper we present the complete FOReelS design and field demonstrations to depths exceeding 780 m using small coastal support vessels of opportunity. FOReelS is likely the smallest form factor live-telemetry deep-sea exploration tool currently in existence, with a broad range of future applications envisioned for oceanographic sensing and communication.

A Review on the Usage of Continuous Carbon Fibers for Piezoresistive Self Strain Sensing Fiber Reinforced Plastics

This literature review examines the application of carbon fibers and their reinforced plastics for Self-Strain-Sensing structures and gives an up-to-date overview of the existing research. First, relevant basic experimental approaches that can be found in the literature are presented and discussed. Next, we propose to cluster the available articles into 5 categories based on specimen size and ranging from experiments on bare carbon fiber via impregnated fiber rovings to carbon fiber laminates. Each category is analyzed individually and the potential differences between them are discussed based on experimental evidence found in the past. The overview shows, that the choice of carbon fiber and the specific experimental setup both significantly influence the piezoresistive properties measured in Self-Strain-Sensing carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Conclusively, based on the conclusions drawn from the literature review, we propose a small number of measurements that have proven to be important for the analysis of Self-Strain-Sensing carbon fiber structures.

Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) for breast cancer: dosimetry optimization and numerical simulation.

Surgical treatment is standard for the treatment of small breast cancers. Due to the pain and esthetic sequelae that can follow surgery, minimally invasive treatments are under investigation. Our aim was to conduct a dosimetry study of laser interstitial thermotherapy. Turkey tissue was used as an ex vivo model, and mammary glands from ewes were used as in vivo models. We used two different wavelength lasers (805nm and 980nm). Two types of fiber from two different manufacturers were used: bare fibers with a diameter of 600μm and diffusing fiber. The diffusing fibers were 5mm and 10mm in length. We also used a computerized model to predict thermal damage and to correlate with the ex vivo and in vivo procedures using a constant and variable coefficient. The mathematical model was based on the finite element method for solving light distribution, bio-heat, and thermal damage equations. Based on our ex vivo and in vivo experiments, we found that the optimal configuration for this treatment was the use of the 980-nm laser at 4W with bare fibers for a minimum treatment time of 150s. We also developed a predictive mathematical model that showed good predictability of necrosis in line with the experimental data. Laser treatment is a promising therapy for small breast lesions. However, further development of treatment guidance is necessary to support its use in clinical practice.

Theoretical research of the medical U-type optical fiber sensor covered by the gold nanoparticles

Abstract Previous studies of the gold-nanoparticles-covered U-type medical optical fiber sensor with millimeter size were mainly confined to the experimental aspect, while the corresponding theoretical studies were only for bare fibers based on geometrical optics or those for micron level photonic crystal fibers based on wave optics. Combining wave and geometrical optics, the gold-nanoparticles-covered U-type optical fiber sensor was simulated with millimeter size. The localized surface plasmon resonance absorption peak near 540 nm is obtained in the simulation, very close to that (≈560 nm) of the experimental value for the gold nanoparticles of 37 nm size. Compared with the refractive index (RI) sensitivity (≈7.10/RIU) for the plain, U-type optical fiber (≈43.50/RIU) exhibits more than 610% enhancement in the gold-nanoparticles-covered sample. Present studies would be helpful to the further simulation and design for various noble metal nanoparticles covered optical fiber sensors with different shapes.

Automatic and rapid calibration method for temperature coefficient of fiber grating temperature sensor

Bare fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is packaged by thermal conductive materials and to be used as a temperature sensor. In the oil bath calibration of the temperature coefficient of the FBG temperature, it is difficult to accurately synchronize the single point temperature measurement and the simultaneously record FBG central wavelength using different devices. An automatic, fast and high precision calibration method for temperature coefficient of FBG temperature sensor is proposed. The experimental results show that the temperature coefficient obtained by the proposed method can accurately measure the temperature, and the calibration process is fast and avoids the error caused by manual recording and formula derivation. The system is suitable for rapid calibration of mass-produced FBG sensors.

Study of Microbending Loss Single Mode Optic Fiber in Sand Powder Against Pressure

Research has been carried out to further investigate specifically the effect of sand powder, both the size of the sand grains and the thickness of the sand powder on the photodetector output as an advanced study of the single-mode optical fiber microbending loss theory in sand grains to pressure. This was done to investigate the response of optical fibers due to microbending loss to the load and determine the size of the sand particles that are most effectively used as a compiler of load sensors. The principle works to test the response of load sensors based on single-mode fiber optic microbending loss in the form of photodetector output when given a large variety of pressure. The method used in this research is to observe the reduction in the intensity of the light transmitted through optical fibers in the form of a voltage drop that is read by MMD that is connected to the photodetector. The reduced light intensity shows that the load sensor experiences optical attenuation of the laser as a light source with a wavelength of 1550 nm and a power of 1.47 mW. Microbending loss is caused by mechanical pressure that can change the direction of optical signal transmission and the radius of the curve is equal to or less than the diameter of a bare optical fiber. Observations were made using 12 load sensors with variations in the size of the sand grains in each diameter of the hose. The results of this study obtained the size of the most effective grains of sand providing microscopic curvature in the optical fiber that is 0.05 mm in terms of the correlation between the response of sensors with various diameters to changes in pressure.

High-sensitivity sensing in bare Ge-Sb-Se chalcogenide tapered fiber with optimal structure parameters

In this work, the purified Ge15Sb20Se65 glasses were synthesized through the melt-quenching method and drawn into bare glass fibers with a diameter of 500 μm. The minimum optical loss of this fiber was approximately 1.68 dB/m at 6.0 μm. Then, the fibers were tapered into different waist diameters, containing 244.95, 110.44, and 20.27 μm, for monitoring aqueous ethanol solution. The highest sensitivity was observed when the waist diameter was the smallest of 20.27 μm. On this basis, three tapered fibers with different taper waist lengths were fabricated for aqueous ethanol solution sensing experiment. Experimental results demonstrated that the sensitivity of 15.94 mm taper waist length was more than 3 times as large as that of 11.53 mm, showing that the longer the taper waist length, the better the sensitivity. Finally, based on the fiber evanescent wave theory, the sensing characteristics of the tapered fibers with different waist diameters and waist lengths were numerically simulated.

Technology and test of fiber Bragg grating in composite materials

In this process, the processing flow of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) embedded carbon fiber reinforced composites are prepared by means of pressurized film forming and end-surface elicitation. Firstly, the development of composites in aerospace field is introduced. Then, according to the principle of FBG sensor, a scheme for embedding fiber grating into carbon fiber composites is designed. There are three key steps involved in this process, namely, laying the bare fiber parallel to the carbon fiber cleavage direction, applying the end-surface elicitation method with the use of stainless steel thin tubes and Teflon fine tubes for protection, and pasting the rubber strip tile on the end to prevent the curing of the fiber break. After processing, a 260x60x3mm surface intact product is made according to the design scheme. There is no deformation in Carbon fiber surface and the end-surface is intact. Experimental tests show that this product has good temperature and strain response.

Quantitative determination of cut efficiency during soft tissue surgery using diode lasers in the wavelength range between 400 and 1500\xa0nm

Within the scope of this ex vivo study, the cut efficiency was investigated with eight diode laser wavelengths in the range from 400 to 1500 nm. Incisions on porcine gingiva samples were generated in CW-mode at a power range of 0.5–4 W using a bare fiber (∅ = 320 μm) in contact and non-contact mode at a cut speed of 2 mm/s. Cut depths, cut widths, and thermal damages were recorded based on histological sections and were evaluated via measurement masks. Moreover, with respect to the controllability of a therapeutic measure, an efficiency factor was defined. At powers above 2 W, for 445 nm, the maximum cut depth was 820 μm and 344 μm for 810 nm, respectively. At all wavelength and power ranges, the cut width averaged 125 μm. At minimum output power (0.5 W), the spatial expansion of the thermal damage in the tissue surface layer corresponds in the blue/green wavelength range from the very beginning of the laser impact to the fiber core diameter. It could be shown that increases in the diode laser power output do not correlate to the same extent with the incision depth nor with thermal damage to tissue.

Adsorption of phenylalanine-rich sequence-defined oligomers onto Kevlar fibers for fiber-reinforced polyolefin composite materials

Oligomers comprising four or sixteen phenylalanine residues with regularly intercalated aliphatic chains of different lengths prepared by solid-phase synthesis exhibit sufficient thermal stability to be used as interfacial agents and processed for the preparation of poly(propylene-co-ethylene)-based composite materials. The investigation of their adsorption on Kevlar fibers by SEM is difficult due to the surface heterogeneity of the bare Kevlar fibers. However, oligomers with four successive phenylalanine residues have been clearly observed suggesting their better adsorption on the fiber. The quantification of those oligomers adsorbed on the fibers performed gravimetrically on pellets of fibers has however revealed no significant impact of the length of the aliphatic chain.

＞500 W passively-cooled fiber cladding light stripper

To realize of passive-cooling high power fiber cladding light stripper, it is important to optimize the thermal management of both the fiber and the package. By using Teflon capillaries to make segmental etching configuration on fiber, using copper as the package material, and optimizing the package structure through finite element thermal simulations, cladding light stripper capable of handling 500 W power was designed and fabricated. It was experimentally verified that the stripping efficiency reached 23.7 dB and the temperature increase rate on the bare fiber of cladding light stripper was as low as 0.007 ℃/W. In addition, at 540 W of power injection, cladding light stripper could work continuously if mounted on water-cooled cold plate, and could work for 50 s each time if mounted on cold plate filled with phase-change material, with the maximum temperature of package being 58.7 ℃ and 80 ℃ respectively. The researches and results could provide valuable information to the design and development of high power fiber lasers.