Textiles (Sep 2021)

An Overview on Methods for Producing Side-Emitting Polymer Optical Fibers

  • Jan Kallweit,
  • Mark Pätzel,
  • Franz Pursche,
  • Junes Jabban,
  • Mohamad Morobeid,
  • Thomas Gries

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles1020017
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 2
pp. 337 – 360

Abstract

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An overview of the most important methods for producing side-emitting polymer optical fibers is given. Based on a systematic literature and patent search, the methods that are applied in practice and explored in research are identified. The fabrication methods are classified into four groups according to the physical phenomenon that hinders total internal reflection: bulk scattering, bending, surface perforations and luminescence. Subdivisions are made regarding the actual processing steps. The production methods are described in detail and discussed with respect to their customizability and applications.

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