Photonic-crystal fibers become biocompatible

Feb. 1, 2007
Researchers at École Polytechnique de Montréal (Montréal, QC, Canada) have developed a microstructured optical fiber from biodegradable and water-soluble materials that could ultimately be used for applications such as laser-power delivery to biological tissue and controlled release of pharmaceuticals.

Researchers at École Polytechnique de Montréal (Montréal, QC, Canada) have developed a microstructured optical fiber from biodegradable and water-soluble materials that could ultimately be used for applications such as laser-power delivery to biological tissue and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first biocompatible, microfluidic fiber that incorporates optical sensing and medical-treatment functionalities.

A fiber preform was fabricated from two cellulose butyrate tubes (refractive index 1.475) with two different diameters. The space between the tubes was filled with a hydroxypropyl cellulose powder of lower index (1.337) to act as an inner cladding. In the drawing process, the air hole of the inner tube could be left open (for drug delivery or fluorescent-particle placement to enhance fluorescence microscopy) or collapsed (for laser delivery). The operating wavelength of between 700 and 1100 nm is within the window of available medical lasers; the fiber has a loss of 1 to 2 dB/cm. Contact Maksim Skorobogatiy at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Explore the essential role of optical filters in enhancing Raman spectroscopy measurements including the various filter types and their applications in improving signal-to-noise...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!