Four joint projects of the Innovative Growth Core TOF are working on the development of special optical fibers for different applications and markets.
›Robust Optical Fibers‹
Aim of the project is to develop new materials and technologies for the manufacturing of robust optical fibers on the basis of fused silica. The fibers are intended to be stable at high temperatures (> 500 °C) and to resist chemical and mechanical stress. Fields of application will be high temperature sensors (e.g. in power plants, deep geothermal), or chemically aggressive environments.
›Fiber Based Light Sources‹
This project focusses on the study and development of broad band light sources as well as ultrashort pulse fiber lasers of high mean power combined with high pulse peak power at highest pulse stability. Important applications of broad band light sources are for example fluorescence spectroscopy and measuring devices for communications engineering. Ultrashort pulse lasers will be developed for materials processing and medical applications.
›Fiber Based Sensor Systems‹
Focus of this project is the development and testing of fiber based sensor systems on the basis of structured multi core fibers for force or position sensors as well as special fibers for spectroscopic imaging and gas sensors. Fields of application will be medical technology (minimally invasive devices) or analytics (natural gas technology).
›Development of luminous fiber based fabrics‹
This project concentrates on the integration of light emitting fibers into areal luminous textile fabrics. Two different fields of application are addressed: on the one hand, ambient lighting systems for interior use (e.g. vehicle interiors), on the other hand systems for medical treatments like light therapy. For both fields, the objective is to develop a weavable fiber, that emits light homogeneously over its surface.