Laser-assisted deposition of carbon nanotubes in optical fibers with multiparameter control

TL;DR

This paper introduces a laser-assisted method for depositing carbon nanotubes onto optical fibers, enabling precise control over layer thickness and offering potential advancements in fiber laser and biomedical device applications.

Contribution

A novel laser-based technique for controlled CNT deposition on optical fibers using minimal solution volumes and multiparameter adjustments.

Findings

Successful deposition of two distinct CNT layers with controlled thicknesses

High confinement and protection of nanotubes during deposition

Potential for real-time monitoring and industrial application

Abstract

We demonstrate a new method to deposit carbon nanotubes (CNT) on optical fibers based on a syringe-loaded CNT solution axially aligned to the fiber tip. A laser generates an optical tweezer in a water-based CNT solution, depositing nanotubes over the fiber cross-section. The parameters are adjusted, resulting in two deposited CNT layers with distinct thicknesses. This setup employs smaller solution volumes than those commonly used in beckers, providing high confinement, protection, and interaction of nanotubes, laser, and fiber, offering a promising alternative for real-time monitoring, which are significant to the development of industrial fiber lasers and biomedical optoacoustic devices.