Green-Graphene protective overlayer on optical microfibers: pro-longs the device lifetime

TL;DR

This paper introduces a green-graphene coating method for optical microfibers that significantly enhances their durability and survivability, making them more suitable for industrial applications.

Contribution

A novel surface modification technique using eco-friendly graphene overlayers to extend the lifetime of optical microfibers by five times.

Findings

Microfiber lifetime increased fivefold with graphene coating

Graphene films embedded with gold nanoparticles enhance functionality

Surface modification improves microfiber durability and survivability

Abstract

Optical microfibers finds new applications in various fields of industry, which in turn requires wear resistance, environmental friendliness and ease of use. However, optical microfibers are fragile. Here we report a new method to prolong the microfiber lifetime by modifying its surface with green-extracted graphene overlayers. Graphene films were obtained by dispergation of shungite mineral samples in an aqueous medium. For this, we tapered optical fibers and sculptured them with graphene films mixed with gold nanoparticles. We observed that due to the surface modification the lifetime and survivability of the microfiber increased 5 times, as compared to the bare microfiber. The embedded gold nanoparticles can also be utilized for enhanced sensitivity and other applications.