Direct write micro/nano optical fibers by near-field melt electrospinning

Abstract

A simple fabrication method of micro/nano-optical fibers (MNOFs) based on near-field melt electrospinning (NMES) is proposed in this Letter. Single fibers with diameters ranging from 500 nm to 6 μm were directly written by near-field electrospinning of molten poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The morphology and transmission characteristics of single PMMA MNOFs were experimentally measured. The results showed that PMMA MNOFs have the advantages of smooth surfaces, uniform diameters, and low loss. As an example of one-step fabrication for MNOF devices, a planar helical MNOF structure was directly written and optically characterized. To demonstrate the versatility of the NMES process, in combination with the microfluidic technique, a liquid refractive index-sensing chip was fabricated and tested. Our results demonstrate that the proposed fabrication method has strong potential in the direct writing of patterned optical devices and heterogeneous integrated devices.

Fabrication methods and high-precision diameter control techniques of optical micro-/nanofibers

“…表 1 微纳光纤典型制备方法优缺点比较 [57] . 与其他方法相比, 采用静电 纺丝法制备的微纳纤维种类多、成本低, 可实现大批 量生产 [58] , 但是由于存在表面质量不够高等问题, 一 的双光子吸收原理所制备的微纳光纤阵列, 光纤直径 最小为200 nm左右 [59] . 从图中可看出, 微纳光纤表面 较为光滑, 可用于Sagnac谐振环等光波导器件的制备.…”

Tailored Melt Electrowritten Scaffolds for the Generation of Sheet‐Like Tissue Constructs from Multicellular Spheroids

“…Continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), two‐photon polymerization (2PP), and the technique used in this study, melt electrowriting (MEW), are relatively new high‐resolution technologies researched for numerous applications, including biomedical products . In a relatively brief period of time, MEW has been used to fabricate wave guides, touch sensors, biomaterials, scaffolds for tissue engineering and for cancer research …”

Fiber Scaffold Patterning for Mending Hearts: 3D Organization Bringing the Next Step

“…A lower voltage would normally reduce the fiber diameter, [ 129 ] however, the reduced tip-to-collector distance counteracts this reduction in fiber diameter. Furthermore, NFES have been reported with both molten polymers [ 114 , 130 ] and polymer solutions. [ 131 , 132 ] Melt and solution NFES share similar advantages and disadvantages as solution and melt spinning; solution NFES allows for smaller diameter fiber deposition but includes toxic solvents.…”