Polymer Optical Fibers: Recent Developments and Applications

Dear Colleague,

 

Polymer optical fibers (POFs) have very interesting characteristics for short-haul communications links, as well as for other applications in fields such as optical sensing, ambient illumination and display systems, data centers, and home networks. As compared to glass fibers, POFs are easier and more economical to manufacture, safer to handle, and much more flexible. Moreover, their lower manufacturing temperatures makes possible to embed a wide range of dopants in the fiber core, from organic dyes and conjugated polymers to other kinds of materials, such as rare-earth ions and quantum dots. The incorporation of these dopants can be suitable for achieving luminescence in the visible region of the spectrum, which is interesting for a wide range of applications, such as luminescent solar concentrators, superluminiscent speckle-free light sources, and light amplifiers. This Special Issue will present an overview as well as in-depth information on latest developments of POF technology. The Special Issue will also be focused on novel applications of both passive and active POFs. Of particular interest are the fibers, and their corresponding set-ups, oriented to risk-prevention systems and structural-health monitoring, healthcare and biomedicine, care for the environment and prevention of natural disasters, photonic devices, and renewable energies, among other applications. Considering your prominent contribution in this research topic, we would like to cordially invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and review papers on this subject can also be considered.  We would very much appreciate if you would consider being one of our authors. 

Dr. Igor Ayesta
Prof. Dr. Maria Asunción Illarramendi
Guest Editors

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