Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion

doi:10.1364/OE.15.006183

Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion

M. Mignanelli, K. Wani, J. Ballato, S. Foulger, and P. Brown »View Author Affiliations

Optics Express, Vol. 15, Issue 10, pp. 6183-6189 (2007)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.15.006183

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Abstract

For the first time to our knowledge, polymer-based microstructured fibers with complex cross-sections are directly produced via melt extrusion. Two principal types of fibers were fabricated: a microstructured fiber of a single polymer with a hexagonal array of air holes and a bicomponent fiber consisting of approximately 60 coaxial rings. From the latter, strong visible iridescence was observed and is shown to exhibit a mechanochromic response. This approach, the mainstay of the textile trade for decades, offers a means of continuous high-volume low-cost manufacturing of polymer (and conceivably soft-glass) fibers. For example, in the present effort, 128 coaxially microstructured fibers were fabricated simultaneously at rates exceeding 1200 m/min from industrially mainstream polymers. This approach offers an important step forward towards commoditizing microstructured fibers and open new doors for optical engineering in fashion, marking/identification, and numerous military applications.

OCIS Codes
(060.2280) Fiber optics and optical communications : Fiber design and fabrication
(160.2290) Materials : Fiber materials
(160.4760) Materials : Optical properties
(160.4890) Materials : Organic materials
(160.5470) Materials : Polymers
(250.5460) Optoelectronics : Polymer waveguides

ToC Category:
Photonic Crystal Fibers

History
Original Manuscript: March 29, 2007
Revised Manuscript: April 30, 2007
Manuscript Accepted: May 2, 2007
Published: May 3, 2007

Citation
M. Mignanelli, K. Wani, J. Ballato, S. Foulger, and P. Brown, "Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion," Opt. Express 15, 6183-6189 (2007)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-15-10-6183

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References

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