Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Author Spotlight: Introduction to Active Probe Atomic Force Microscopy with Quattro-Parallel Cantilever Arrays
Published on: June 13, 2023
3D-Printed Ultracompact Multicore Fiber-Tip Probes for Simultaneous Measurement of Nanoforce and Temperature
Cong Xiong1, Caoyuan Wang1, Yu Qin1
1Advanced Fiber Devices and Systems Group, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (MoE), Key Laboratory for Information Science of Electromagnetic Waves (MoE), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China.
This study presents novel 3D-printed fiber optic sensors for simultaneous nanoforce and temperature measurement. These compact sensors offer significantly enhanced sensitivity for applications in confined spaces.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical fiber force sensing is valuable but limited by low sensitivity of glass fibers.
- Hyperelastic polymers improve sensitivity but can compromise accuracy and reliability.
- Existing sensors struggle with simultaneous multiparameter measurements in confined spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ultracompact fiber optic probes for simultaneous nanoforce and temperature sensing.
- To enhance sensor sensitivity and reliability for micromanipulation and biomedical applications.
- To demonstrate a cost-efficient and miniaturized all-fiber multiparameter sensing solution.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of three-dimensional (3D)-printed multicore fiber (MCF) tip probes.
- Integration of a polymer microcantilever for force detection and a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microcavity for temperature sensing.
- Enhancement of interferometer sensitivity using the optical analogue of the Vernier effect.
Main Results:
- Achieved a force sensitivity of 56.35 nm/μN, over 1000 times higher than all-silica sensors.
- Demonstrated a temperature sensitivity of 1.447 nm/°C using the PDMS microcavity.
- Successfully performed simultaneous, high-sensitivity measurements of nanoforce and temperature.
Conclusions:
- The proposed 3D-printed MCF-tip sensor enables highly sensitive, simultaneous multiparameter sensing.
- The sensor design overcomes limitations of traditional fiber optic force sensors.
- This technology holds significant potential for miniaturized all-fiber sensors in restricted environments.
