Fabrication and characterization of cylindrical light diffusers comprised of shape memory polymer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Optics

Background:

• Optical fibers deliver light for various applications, including biomedical procedures.
• Controlling light emission from optical fibers is crucial for targeted therapies and diagnostics.
• Existing methods for modifying fiber optic light delivery can be complex or lack durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, flexible light-diffusing device for optical fibers.
• To characterize the optical properties and durability of the fabricated diffusers.
• To assess the suitability of these devices for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of shape memory polymer (SMP) cylindrical diffusers by casting over optical fiber tips.
• Surface texturing of SMP diffusers using media blasting with varied parameters (pressure, distance, speed).
• Characterization of light emission profiles (axial, polar, azimuthal uniformity) and laser power handling.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated flexible SMP diffusers attached to optical fibers.
• Demonstrated control over light emission profiles through media blasting parameters.
• Devices exhibited strong forward-directed emission and withstood over 8 W of IR laser light in water.

Conclusions:

• The developed SMP-based optical fiber diffusers offer a robust and adaptable solution for light delivery.
• These devices are well-suited for demanding endoluminal and interstitial biomedical applications.
• The fabrication technique provides a versatile platform for tailoring light diffusion properties.