3D printed polymer composite optical fiber for sensing applications

3D printing is a disruptive method that enables fabrication of complex and multifunctional optical devices that can be utilized for sensing applications. Here, we have demonstrated fabrication of stimuli-responsive polymer-based optical fibers via 3D printing for sensing applications. Thermochromic pigmented micro-powders were utilized to add stimuli-responsive functionality into the customized 3D printed polymer fibers. To analyze the thermal response of the developed fibers, their reflection spectra were recorded upon increasing and decreasing the temperature in the range of 25–32 °C. Reversible and substantial changes in the reflection spectra were observed in response to the temperature changes. Hence, a relationship between the temperature and the output signals was established. Moreover, the strain sensing capabilities of the 3D printed polymer fibers were also investigated. The changes in their optical losses in response to different bending angles (45° and 90°) demonstrated their ability of strain sensing. This work may pave the way towards developing tunable thermochromic sensors that are cost-effective, reusable, and flexible. The developed stimuli-responsive polymer fibers may be employed in biomedical and healthcare applications as remote temperature and strain sensing devices.