Stack-and-Draw Manufacture Process of a Seven-Core Optical Fiber for Fluorescence Measurements

Abstract

Multi-core, optical-fiber technology is expected to be used in telecommunications and sensory systems in a relatively short amount of time. However, a successful transition from research laboratories to industry applications will only be possible with an optimized design and manufacturing process. The fabrication process is an important aspect in designing and developing new multi-applicable, multi-core fibers, where the best candidate is a seven-core fiber. Here, the basics for designing and manufacturing a single-mode, seven-core fiber using the stack-and-draw process is described for the example of a fluorescence sensory system.