Technology of Polymer Microtips’ Manufacturing on the Ends of Multi-Mode Optical Fibers

Abstract

The technology of polymer microtips’ manufacturing on the ends of selected multi-mode fibers has been reported. The study’s key element was an extended description of technology parameters’ influence on the shape of these 3D microstructures. Basic technology parameters such as spectral characteristics of the light source, monomer mixture type, optical power, and exposure time were taken under consideration. Depending on those parameters, different shapes, sizes, and surface structures of microtips were obtained. The spectral characteristics of the light and optical power delivered to a monomer drop were identified as the most important parameters for the formation of the desired 3D shape of the microtip. Presented experimental results are the base for further studies directed to the application of these micro-elements in the fields of optical measurements and sensors’ technology.

Reflective Properties of a Polymer Micro-Transducer for an Optical Fiber Refractive Index Sensor

“…When the VIS light source is used, it requires an additional compound as a co-initiator. In the first mixture (UV mixture) as a sensitizer was used 2,2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPAP) [3,6,33]. In the second mixture (VIS mixture), the Eosin Y disodium salt as a sensitizer and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as a co-initiator were used [3][4][5][6]32].…”

“…In the first mixture (UV mixture) as a sensitizer was used 2,2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPAP) [3,6,33]. In the second mixture (VIS mixture), the Eosin Y disodium salt as a sensitizer and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as a co-initiator were used [3][4][5][6]32]. The possible percentage compositions of mixtures may differ.…”

“…Feasibility of the polymer microelement manufactured at the end of an optical fiber was previously demonstrated in microscopy [1], as well as fiber to fiber connector technology [2]. The author's research has shown the possibility to shape the geometry of such microstructures by using selected types of optical fibers, chemical compounds, and by tuning parameters of the photopolymerization process [3]. Moreover, the application potential of this type of optical element as an optical fiber sensor micro-transducer was also mentioned [4][5][6].…”

“…The microtip manufacturing process is based on a photopolymerization phenomenon and is well described in the literature [3][4][5][6][29][30][31]. This method has many advantages, such as low cost, low energy consumption, fast polymerization chain reaction, working at ambient temperature, and the possibility of creating 3D structures with required geometry and micrometric sizes.…”

“…Most of these optical microelements were fabricated on various single-mode optical fibers [4,[29][30][31][32]. However, polymer microtips on multi-mode optical fibers (MMFs) have better sensing properties [3][4][5][6]33].…”