Swedish researchers have innovated 3D printing by developing silica glass micro-optics on optical fibers, promising much faster internet, enhanced sensors, and advanced imaging systems, while avoiding high-temperature damage to fiber coverings. Credit: Lee-Lun Lai shows the setup to print silica glass microstructures on an optical fiber.Advancements in Printing TechniquesKTH Professor Kristinn Gylfason states the technique conquers longstanding constraints in structuring optical fiber pointers with silica glass, which he says typically need high-temperature treatments that jeopardize the stability of temperature-sensitive fiber coatings. That means high temperatures are not required to drive out carbon in order to make the glass structure transparent.The research studys lead author, Lee-Lun Lai, states the researchers printed a silica glass sensor that showed more durable than a basic plastic-based sensing unit after multiple measurements.Microscopic image of a printed glass demonstration structure on tip of optical fiber.
