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We report a study investigating the effects of thermal annealing on the optical properties of Si-Ge alloy-core silica-cladded fibers. Low temperature fiber draw was performed with a laboratory-made draw tower at 1760 °C that minimizes impurity diffusion from cladding to the core. As a post-drawing process, Si-Ge core fibers were annealed in a box furnace to alter the core structure. Microstructural and optical properties of fibers were investigated, and transmission losses were measured as 28 dB/cm at 6.1 µm. Numerical studies were performed to analyze the experimental results and to find the optimum structure for low loss semiconductor-core glass-cladded fibers.

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MXenes (transition metal carbides and nitrides) have experienced exponential growth over the last two decades, thanks to their excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Intriguing properties like high conductivity, wear, and corrosion resistance while maintaining flexibility are the strong motivation behind the exploration of MXenes. Moreover, the large surface area and unique layered structure enhance the functionality of multilayer-MXene heterostructures and hybrids. This paper reviews the synthesis chemistry, structure properties of multilayer MXenes, and their multifunctional applications. MXene synthesis under different conditions, their hybrids and composites, intercalation, and structural geometries are discussed. The electrical, mechanical, optical, and magnetic properties of MXenes are briefly presented. Recent progress and development in MXene-based heterostructures and nanohybrids for supercapacitors, batteries, environmental and water treatment, antibacterial and tissue engineering, and electromagnetic absorption and shielding are systematically discussed. Finally, research challenges and a perspective in this specified area are addressed for potential developments.