Polymer optical fiber tapering using chemical solvent and polishing

Abstract

Abstract.A method for developing polymer optical fiber (POF) directional coupler is introduced where the initial procedure includes using chemical solvent to remove the cladding, and bare out the core in order to align the unclad center of the fiber with other similar fiber to develop a coupler. The process is safe, simple, inexpensive and require low operation skill. The etched fiber offers improvement to the performance of various POF devices, i.e, couplers and sensors. Instead of relying only on silica or glass fiber, POF now can be used as an alternative to improve the network performance in short distance communication system. The measurement parameters laid out offer great outcomes. However, the couplers intended to be developed is yet to be realized, where deeper research and various experiments are needed in order to develop a simple but optimum performance coupler that can be used for various applications.

Assessment of Scattered-Bend Loss in Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) Displacement Sensor

“…The displacement sensor described in this research is based on the coupling of scattered-bend loss where to determine the scattering loss in POF, two fibers were twisted together. The first fiber is acting as illuminating fiber, while the second fiber couples scattered-bend radiation loss using the side coupling approach [26]. Fiber loss increases as a result of bending, as does coupling power.…”

Investigation of U-shaped plastic optical fiber as refractive index sensor for liquids assessment

“…The fabrication of U-shaped of Plastic Optical Fibers requires a heating process at the bending region to fabricate a permanent bent in the form of U-shape. Many researchers believe that keeping the optimal heating temperature and bending force is critical for achieving a consistent fiber core diameter [20]. However, no precise guidance on the appropriate heating temperature is provided.…”

“…Less waveguide will guide the light because of the polished cladding. The deeper the polishing area, more light waves will radiate out [20]- [21]. Varied modes propagating over the fiber have different evanescent fields, which relate to the optical field diffused outside of the core.…”