Optical connection of polymeric microstructures by nanofibers

Abstract

This project aims to demonstrate the viability of the optical connection between polymeric microstructures by sub-micrometric optical fibers (nanofibers). Initially fluorescent polymeric microstructures, doped with Rhodamine B, will be produced by means of two-photon polymerization. This technique has been quite interesting for the production of different kinds of systems such as photonic crystals, mechanic microdevices, etc. In order to connect the microstructures to the nanofibers two methods will be used: (i) direct contact between the microstructures and the tip of the nanofibers through micromanipulators and (ii) construction of microstructures connected to the nanofibers. Once the connections are done, light will be coupled to the nanofibers with the purpose of verifying the optical connection between the microstructures. Therefore, conducting this project will allow the development of interesting methods for the production of photonic devices. (AU)