Fiber System Research Articles

Deformation processes of polymer composites with stress concentrators under different reinforcement schemes

This paper is dedicated to an experimental investigation of an effect of a stress concentrator orientation on a mechanical behavior of polymer composites with various reinforcement schemes. Composite specimens have been made of layered carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with lay-up patterns of [±45]16 and [0/90]16. The stress concentrators have been cut in a form of a rectangle (with rounded corners) orientated at angles of 0°, 45°, and 90° to a loading axis. The novel data about the composite’s mechanical behavior has been obtained by the digital image correlation (DIC) method, the acoustic emission (AE) method and the optical microscopy. Quasistatic tests have been carried out taking into account recommendations of the ASTM D5766, ASTM D3039, ASTM D3518. The effect of the stress concentrator orientation on the composite’s strength has been evaluated. It has been found that the stress concentrator does not affect the strength of the composite with the [±45]16 lay-up pattern. This peculiarity has been explained by the absence of the layers preventing the fibers system turning in the direction of the load application. The DIC method has allowed to study the evolution of inhomogeneous strain fields on the specimens’ surfaces. Computational simulations have been carried out within the elasticity stage. The results have shown that the strain fields obtained by both the DIC method and the numerical simulation were similar for the composites with the [0/90]16 reinforcement pattern. However, significant differences have been found for the [±45]16 reinforcement pattern, which have been explained by the development of inelastic zones near the stress concentrator even if the elastic stage is realized at the macrolevel. The using of the AE method and the optical microscopy has allowed to reveal typical mechanisms of the structural damage and to study their occurrence during the tests. It has been concluded that the orientation of the stress concentrator significantly influences the deformation processes of the CFRP with various reinforcement patterns.

Long-term stability of squeezed light in a fiber-based system using automated alignment.

Providing a cloud service for optical quantum computing requires stabilizing the optical system for extended periods. It is advantageous to construct a fiber-based system, which does not require spatial alignment. However, fiber-based systems are instead subject to fiber-specific instabilities. For instance, there are phase drifts due to ambient temperature changes and external disturbances and polarization fluctuations due to the finite polarization extinction ratio of fiber components. Here, we report the success of measuring squeezed light with a fiber system for 24h. To do this, we introduce stabilization mechanics to suppress fluctuations in the fiber system and an integrated controller to automatically align the entire system. The squeezed light at a wavelength of 1545.3nm is measured every 2min, where automated alignments are inserted every 30min. The squeezing levels with an average of -4.42 dB are recorded with an extremely small standard deviation of 0.08 dB over 24h. With the technologies developed here, we can build complicated optical setups with the fiber-based system and operate them automatically for extended periods, which is promising for cloud service of quantum computation.

Electrospun Polymeric Fiber Systems Inoculated with Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive: A Novel Hemostatic Alternative during Open Surgery.

Natural-based and synthetic tissue adhesives have attracted extensive attention in the last two decades for their ability to stabilize uncontrolled bleeding instances. However; these materials present several drawbacks during use that scientists have tried to minimize in order to optimize their usage. This study comprises the development of a novel wound dressing, combining the excellent properties of polylactic acid (PLA) non-woven textile, as substrate, obtained through electrospinning, and a cyanoacrylate-based (CA) tissue adhesive, for rapid hemostatic action. Thus, the fabrication of electrospun PLA membranes at three different PLA concentrations, the design and manufacturing of the support system and the production of surgical patches were carried out. SEM and FT-IR methods were employed for analyzing the morphology as well as the indicative markers for the shelf life evolution of the obtained patches. PLA fibers with well-defined structures and a mean diameter varying between 4.6 and 7.24 μm were obtained with the increase of the concentration of the PLA solutions. In vivo tests on a rat model as well as peeling tests for good patch adhesion on liver fragments harvested from the test animals, with a limit for the strength of the liver tissue of 1.5 N, were carried out. The devices exhibited excellent adhesion to the parenchymal tissue and a long enough shelf life to be used with success in surgical procedures, also facilitating prompt hemostatic action.

Rotation and Hα Emission in a Young SMC Cluster: A Spectroscopic View of NGC 330

We present an analysis of high-resolution optical spectra recorded for 30 stars of the split extended main-sequence turnoff of the young (∼40 Myr) Small Magellanic Cloud globular cluster NGC 330. Spectra were obtained with the Michigan/Magellan Fiber System and Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle spectrographs located on the Magellan-Clay 6.5 m telescope. These spectra revealed the presence of Be stars, occupying primarily the cool side of the split main sequence. Rotational velocity ( vsini ) measurements for most of the targets are consistent with the presence of two populations of stars in the cluster: one made up of rapidly rotating Be stars ( 〈vsini〉≈200 km s−1) and the other consisting of warmer stars with slower rotation ( 〈vsini〉≈50 km s−1). Core emission in the Hδ photospheric lines was observed for most of the Hα emitters. The shell parameter computed for the targets in our sample indicates that most of the observed stars should have inclinations below 75°. These results confirm the detection of Be stars obtained through photometry but also reveal the presence of narrow Hα and Hδ features for some targets that cannot be detected with low-resolution spectroscopy or photometry. Asymmetry variability of Hα line profiles on the timescales of a few years is also observed and could provide information on the geometry of the decretion disks. Observations revealed the presence of nebular Hα emission, strong enough in faint targets to compromise the extraction of spectra and to impact narrow-band photometry used to assess the presence of Hα emission.

Spectrum contrast enhancement of fiber fabry-perot sensor by coupling efficiency improvement

This paper investigates the impact of interface angles on the coupling efficiency of a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI) sensor using both simulation and experimental methods. The FFPI sensor, which consists of a single-mode fiber (SMF), hollow-core fiber (HCF), and diaphragm, has its coupling efficiency determined by the generalized scattering matrix of the cascaded fiber system. To obtain the interface angles of the FFPI sensor, a new on-line monitoring system is developed based on microscopic images of the FFPI cavity and an image processing algorithm using OpenCV. By combining the eigenmode expansion method (EME) model and the online interface angle measurement technique, the coupling efficiency and spectral contrast of the FFPI cavity are evaluated and improved. Additionally, the corresponding working point in the intensity demodulation based FFPI sensor can be quickly identified. Using this method, an FFPI sensor with a spectral contrast of over 35 dB is achieved, which is significantly higher than existing similar sensors, and its sensitivity also reaches 50.80 mV/MPa. This work also holds significance for controlling and enhancing the spectral characteristics of other cascaded fiber optic sensors.

Splicing Hollow-Core Fiber with Standard Glass-Core Fiber with Ultralow Back-Reflection and Low Coupling Loss.

A main, yet-unsolved challenge in splicing hollow-core fiber (HCF) into standard single-mode fiber (SMF) systems lies in managing the strong Fresnel back-reflection that occurs when the light travels from the empty core of the HCF into the glass core of the SMF or vice versa. This impacts the performance of fiber systems that combine SMFs and HCFs due to effects such as multipath interference. Here, we demonstrate a new technique that combines angle-cleaving the HCF, which reduces the back-reflection, with offset-splicing the mode-field adapter to the SMF, which compensates for the refraction at the glass-air interface, enabling us to achieve low coupling loss. We first analyze this novel configuration via simulations and show that it is possible to achieve a coupling loss that is comparable to a conventional flat-cleaved splice. Subsequently, we fabricate an SMF-HCF connection with a loss of 0.6 dB prior to arcing (1.2 dB after splicing) and ultralow back-reflection (-64 dB) by applying an optimized 4.5° angle and 5 μm offset. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first low-insertion-loss spliced SMF-HCF connection where a widely acceptable level of back-reflection of <-60 dB is achieved.

Electrode-dependent thermoelectric effect in ionic hydrogel fiber for self-powered sensing and low-grade heat harvesting

Ionic thermoelectric materials show great significance for wearable energy devices, owing to the capability of the conversion between thermal and electrical energy. The two-dimensional massive structure which is difficult to integrate with fabrics of ionic thermoelectric materials, however, prevent them from realizing their full potential when employed in wearable electronics. In this work, ionic thermoelectric 1D PAM/LiTFSI4 hydrogel fibers with high aspect ratio, inherent flexibility, conductivity, anti-freezing, self-adhesion and self-healing properties are constructed by free radical polymerization technology based on a template strategy, which contains a PAM polymer matrix and an LiTFSI conductive material. Based on thermal diffusion, owing to the ion size difference, the covalent cross-linked polymer network and the electrode-dependent effect promote rapid transport of the cations and boost ion concentration difference, resulting in a huge ionic Seebeck coefficient of 19.02 mV K−1. Meanwhile, embedding hydrogel fibers into the woven textile demonstrates a promising thermoelectric wristband with desirable human heat collection and electrical output capabilities. What’s more, thanks to the introduction of LiTFSI, the microstructure and molecular network system of hydrogel fibers are reshaped, which significantly improved the ionic conductivity of hydrogel fiber, and endowed them with anti-freezing, self-adhesion and self-healing properties. The PAM/LiTFSI4 hydrogel fiber also has excellent strain and temperature sensing properties, which enable a variety of human signal monitoring. Besides, the hydrogel fiber-based sensor can realize self-powered sensing by generating a thermovoltage. Thus, combining the merits of one-dimensional structure, superior thermoelectric performances, sensing at low temperature, excellent adhesion, self-healing and anti-freezing properties together, believing that the PAM/LiTFSI4 hydrogel fiber will render new numerous in human signal monitoring and low-grade heat harvesting applications like wearable electronics and wearable energy supply devices.

Optical fiber integrated WGM cylindrical cavity resonator.

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators are usually discrete optical devices, which have integration difficulties with an optical fiber system. Here we present a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of optical fiber whispering gallery mode resonator based on a cylindrical cavity, which is located in the multimode fiber core and fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining together with fast hydrofluoric acid etching techniques. When light traveling in the fiber core is tangent to the cylindrical cavity wall, it is coupled into the cavity and circulates along the cavity wall to excite WGM resonance before being coupled out to the same tangential path and continuing propagation in the fiber core. The device is fully integrated into the optical fiber, simple in fabrication, convenient in operation, low in cost, and has a good quality factor (Q) of 1.06 × 104. The device enriches the family of WGM resonators and is expected to have promising applications in photonics.

Non-Markovianity in High-Dimensional Open Quantum Systems using Next-generation Multicore Optical Fibers

With the advent of quantum technology, the interest in communication tasks assisted by quantum systems has increased both in academia and industry. Nonetheless, the transmission of a quantum state in real-world scenarios is bounded by environmental noise, so that the quantum channel is an open quantum system. In this work, we study a high-dimensional open quantum system in a multicore optical fiber by characterizing the environmental interaction as quantum operations corresponding to probabilistic phase-flips. The experimental platform is currently state-of-the-art for quantum information processing with multicore fibers. At a given evolution stage we observe a non-Markovian behaviour of the system, which is demonstrated through a proof-of-principle implementation of the Quantum Vault protocol. A better understanding of phase-noise in multicore fibers will improve several real-world communication protocols, since they are a prime candidate to be adopted in future telecom networks.

Hybrid Fibers with Subwavelength-Scale Liquid Core for Highly Sensitive Sensing and Enhanced Nonlinearity.

Interest grows in designing silicon-on-insulator slot waveguides to trap optical fields in subwavelength-scale slots and developing their optofluidic devices. However, it is worth noting that the inherent limitations of the waveguide structures may result in high optical losses and short optical paths, which challenge the device's performance in optofluidics. Incorporating the planar silicon-based slot waveguide concept into a silica-based hollow-core fiber can provide a perfect solution to realize an efficient optofluidic waveguide. Here, we propose a subwavelength-scale liquid-core hybrid fiber (LCHF), where the core is filled with carbon disulfide and surrounded by a silicon ring in a silica background. The waveguide properties and the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) effect in the LCHF are investigated. The fraction of power inside the core of 56.3% allows for improved sensitivity in optical sensing, while the modal Raman gain of 23.60 m-1·W-1 is two times larger than that generated around a nanofiber with the interaction between the evanescent optical field and the surrounding Raman media benzene-methanol, which enables a significant low-threshold SRS effect. Moreover, this in-fiber structure features compactness, robustness, flexibility, ease of implementation in both trace sample consumption and reasonable liquid filling duration, as well as compatibility with optical fiber systems. The detailed analyses of the properties and utilizations of the LCHF suggest a promising in-fiber optofluidic platform, which provides a novel insight into optofluidic devices, optical sensing, nonlinear optics, etc.

Bioinspired iontronic synapse fibers for ultralow-power multiplexing neuromorphic sensorimotor textiles

Artificial neuromorphic devices can emulate dendric integration, axonal parallel transmission, along with superior energy efficiency in facilitating efficient information processing, offering enormous potential for wearable electronics. However, integrating such circuits into textiles to achieve biomimetic information perception, processing, and control motion feedback remains a formidable challenge. Here, we engineer a quasi-solid-state iontronic synapse fiber (ISF) comprising photoresponsive TiO2, ion storage Co-MoS2, and an ion transport layer. The resulting ISF achieves inherent short-term synaptic plasticity, femtojoule-range energy consumption, and the ability to transduce chemical/optical signals. Multiple ISFs are interwoven into a synthetic neural fabric, allowing the simultaneous propagation of distinct optical signals for transmitting parallel information. Importantly, IFSs with multiple input electrodes exhibit spatiotemporal information integration. As a proof of concept, a textile-based multiplexing neuromorphic sensorimotor system is constructed to connect synaptic fibers with artificial fiber muscles, enabling preneuronal sensing information integration, parallel transmission, and postneuronal information output to control the coordinated motor of fiber muscles. The proposed fiber system holds enormous promise in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical engineering.

Short-time asymmetric droplet coalescence dynamics on a pre-wetted fiber

This study presents an unprecedented directional transport phenomenon during the coalescence of two droplets on a pre-wetted cylindrical fiber, where the larger droplet is pulled toward the smaller one. The magnitude of this effect often exceeds the gravitational pull, enabling coalescing droplets to climb up a vertical fiber. This occurs primarily because the viscous friction that the droplets experience is negatively correlated with the droplet size. We present a scaling relation and a mass-spring-damper model to explain the phenomenon, which shows good agreement with the experimental results. This research reveals an intriguing aspect of the coalescence dynamics of droplets on a pre-wetted fiber, offering a fresh perspective on the interfacial phenomena in droplet–fiber systems.

WITHDRAWN: Comprehensive phase analysis of GaAs:(Cu, Au) systems in molten core fibers

The recently developed “flux assisted molten core method,” used previously to fabricate GaAs core fiber with Sn as a solvent phase, is further extended here to Cu and Au fluxes. Unlike the GaAs:Sn system whose observed phases were same in the precursor, as-drawn, and laser annealed fiber, the GaAs:Cu and GaAs:Au systems exhibited differing phases at each stage of the process. These systems undergo reactions during the molten core fiber fabrication and CO2 laser post-processing. X-ray diffraction is employed to determine the phases resulting from As volatility during the pre-melt, fiber draw, and CO2 laser post-processing. The phases, while unanticipated, are determined to be thermodynamically stable. In some of the systems, remnant Ga is suggested as being located in the flux compounds. This is a break with the conventional molten core method, where the fiber consists of the same phases as the starting material, and cases where reactions are driven in the molten core. The volatility of GaAs brings about unexpected reactions.

Antibacterial action of penicillin against Mycobacterium avium complex.

β-lactam antibiotics are promising treatments for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease. We hypothesized that benzylpenicillin has efficacy against MAC. Benzylpenicillin lung concentration-time profiles of seven doses in three dosing schedules were administered for 28 days using the hollow fiber system model of intracellular MAC (HFS-MAC). Data were analyzed using the inhibitory sigmoid maximal effect (Emax) model for each sampling day, while two ordinary differential equations (ODEs) were used for the wild-type and penicillin-resistant mutants. Benzylpenicillin killed >2.1 log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL below Day 0, better than azithromycin, ethambutol, and rifabutin. Efficacy was terminated by acquired resistance. Sigmoid Emax parameter estimates significantly differed between sampling days and were a poor fit. However, ODE model parameter estimates vs. exposure were a better fit. The exposure mediating Emax was 84.6% (95% CI 76.91-82.98) of time concentration exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In Monte Carlo experiments, 24 million international units of benzylpenicillin continuous infusion achieved the target exposure in lungs of >90% of 10,000 subjects until an MIC of 64 mg/L, designated the susceptibility breakpoint. Benzylpenicillin demonstrated a better bactericidal effect against MAC than guideline-recommended drugs before the development of resistance. Its role in combination therapy with other drugs with better efficacy than guideline-recommended drugs should be explored.

Maternal Fiber Intake and Perinatal Depression and Anxiety.

(1) Background: Dietary fiber can significantly alter gut microbiota composition. The role of the gut microbiome in the Gut-Brain Axis and modulation of neuropsychiatric disease is increasingly recognized. The role of antenatal diet, particularly fiber intake, in mitigating maternal mental health disorders remains unexplored. The objective of this review is to investigate the association between maternal fiber intake and perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA). (2) Methods: A literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using appropriate keyword/MeSH terms for pregnancy, diet, fiber, and mental health. Observational and clinical trials published between 2015 and 2021 were included and data pertaining to dietary patterns (DP), food intake, mental health, and demographic data were extracted. The top three fiber-containing food groups (FG) per study were identified using a sum rank scoring system of fiber per 100 g and fiber per serving size. The consumption of these top three fiber FGs was then ranked for each dietary pattern/group. Mental health outcomes for each study were simplified into three categories of improved, no change, and worsened. The relationship between top three fiber FGs consumed within each DP and mental health outcomes was analyzed using Spearman's correlation. (3) Results: Thirteen of fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten (76.9%) studies assessed DPs (seven examined depression only, two examined depression and anxiety, and one examined anxiety only). Seven (53.9%) studies reported at least one significant positive relationship between mental health outcomes and DPs while three reported at least one negative outcome. Three (23.1%) studies compared intake of different food groups between depressed and non-depressed groups. In studies of DPs, the average consumption ranking of the top three fiber FGs bore a significant inverse association with mental health outcomes [r = -0.419 (95%CI: -0.672--0.078)] p = 0.015. In studies comparing the intake of different FGs between depressed and non-depressed groups, the consumption of top-ranking fiber foods was higher in the non-depressed groups, but significantly higher in four of the ten high fiber FGs. (4) Conclusions: This study reframes findings from previously published studies of maternal diet and mental health outcomes to focus on fiber intake specifically, using a fiber ranking system. A significant correlation between lower intake of fiber and poorer mental health outcomes warrants further investigation in future studies.

Feasibility of Sprayable Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Natural Sand and Low Fiber Content: Effect of Hybrid Fiber System, Silica Fume, and Air-Entraining and Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures

Deterioration of corrugated steel culverts (CSCs) is a significant problem for the Virginia Department of Transportation and other U.S. transportation agencies. Spray-on lining using shotcrete engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) is a promising structural repair strategy for deteriorated CSCs. This study evaluates the feasibility of practical sprayable ECCs using natural silica sand and low fiber content, while forgoing the use of commonly utilized calcium sulfoaluminate cement to allow for delivery of the materials via ready-mixed concrete trucks. Aspects of the compositional space evaluated include the effect of a hybrid polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene fiber system, silica fume (SF), shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA), and air-entraining admixture (AEA) on the properties of the composites. Experimental results suggested that the development of the proposed materials is feasible, because flow characteristics associated with shotcrete ECCs and ECC-like tensile ductility were achieved in the fresh and hardened state, respectively. Notwithstanding, further mixture optimization may be required for satisfactory field performance, which should be assessed through field testing. Generally, the use of the hybrid fiber system tended to improve the strength and ductility of the composites, especially when coupled with the use of SF. Furthermore, SF was effective at mitigating the strength loss associated with the incorporation of AEA and SRA, and meaningfully improved surface resistivity. SF also tended to reduce the mixture’s flow, whereas the contrary occurred with the use of SRA and AEA. SRA contributed to the reduction in drying shrinkage at early ages. However, the effect of SRA in reducing shrinkage was negligible at later ages.

High speed operation efficiency of doped light sources with the silica-doped fiber channel for extended optical fiber system reach

Abstract This paper demonstrated the high speed operation efficiency of doped light sources with the silica-doped fiber channel for extended optical fiber system reach. The output power and required bias voltage are clarified of AlIn(x)Ga(y)As light source versus injection current variations and indium, gallium dopants concentration variations at room temperature and 1.55 μm wavelength. The output power and required bias voltage are studied of PAl(z)Ge(h)Sb light source versus injection current variations and aluminum, germanium dopants concentration variations at room temperature and 1.55 μm wavelength. Required resonance frequency is measured for AlIn(x)Ga(y)As light source versus injection current variations and indium, gallium dopants concentration variations at room temperature and 1.55 μm wavelength. Required resonance frequency is demonstrated for PAl(z)Ge(h)Sb light source versus injection current variations and aluminum, germanium dopants concentration variations at room temperature and 1.55 μm wavelength.

Twisted fibers enable drop flow control and enhance fog capture

Drop-fiber interactions are fundamental to the operation of technologies such as atmospheric fog capture, oil filtration, refrigeration, and dehumidification. We demonstrate that by twisting together two fibers, a sliding drop's flow path can be controlled by tuning the ratio between its size and the twist wavelength. We find both experimentally and numerically that twisted fiber systems are able to asymmetrically stabilize drops, both enhancing drop transport speeds and creating a rich array of new flow patterns. We show that the passive flow control generated by twisting fibers allows for woven nets that can be "programmed" with junctions that predetermine drop interactions and can be anticlogging. Furthermore, it is shown that twisted fiber structures are significantly more effective at capturing atmospheric fog compared to straight fibers.

Ferromagnetic Fiber Systems for Multiplexing Neural Recording and Modulation with Spatial Selectivity

AbstractDespite the great success achieved by recently developed neural interfaces, multi‐site monitoring and regulating neural activities with high spatial and temporal selectivity remain a challenge. Here, an implantable, remotely controllable, fiber‐based ferromagnetic system permitting 3D navigation, omnidirectional steering, multiplexing neural recording, and modulation is presented. A family of fibers is fabricated that allows for the heterogeneous integration of ferromagnetic, optical, microfluidic, electrical, and electrochemical components into the proposed multifunctional neural interface. Coupling with magnetic actuation, it is demonstrated that this system can enable optical and chemical modulation of local neural activities across multiple distant regions in rodent brains, while simultaneously allowing the real‐time monitoring of neural electrophysiological and chemical activities. Furthermore, to systematically identify altered patterns of behaviors, brain activities and dopamine release during optogenetic modulation of specific nuclei in Parkinsonian animals this platform is employed. This proposed system with high spatial selectivity, multiplexing sensing and multimodal manipulating capabilities offers a versatile platform to advance both fundamental neuroscience studies and translational applications in neurologic disease treatments.

Contact detection between curved fibres: high order makes a difference

Computer Graphics has a long history in the design of effective algorithms for handling contact and friction between solid objects. For the sake of simplicity and versatility, most methods rely on low-order primitives such as line segments or triangles, both for the detection and the response stages. In this paper we carefully analyse, in the case of fibre systems, the impact of such choices on the retrieved contact forces. We highlight the presence of artifacts in the force response that are tightly related to the low-order geometry used for contact detection. Our analysis draws upon thorough comparisons between the high-order super-helix model and the low-order discrete elastic rod model. These reveal that when coupled to a low-order, segment-based detection scheme, both models yield spurious jumps in the contact force profile. Moreover, these artifacts are shown to be all the more visible as the geometry of fibres at contact is curved. In order to remove such artifacts we develop an accurate high-order detection scheme between two smooth curves, which relies on an efficient adaptive pruning strategy. We use this algorithm to detect contact between super-helices at high precision, allowing us to recover, in the range of wavy to highly curly fibres, much smoother force profiles during sliding motion than with a classical segment-based strategy. Furthermore, we show that our approach offers better scaling properties in terms of efficiency vs. precision compared to segment-based approaches, making it attractive for applications where accurate and reliable forces are desired. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of our fully high-order approach on a challenging hair combing scenario.