Erik Michael Kjær

Localized biosensing with Topas microstructured polymer optical fiber

We present what is believed to be the first microstructured polymer optical fiber (mPOF) fabricated from Topas cyclic olefin copolymer, which has attractive material and biochemical properties. This polymer allows for a novel type of fiber-optic biosensor, where localized sensor layers may be activated on the inner side of the air holes in a predetermined section of the mPOF. The concept is demonstrated using a fluorescence-based method for selective detection of fluorophore-labeled antibodies.

Temperature sensitivity of Bragg gratings in PMMA and TOPAS microstructured polymer optical fibres

We report on the temperature response of FBGs recorded in pure PMMA and TOPAS holey fibres. The gratings are fabricated for operational use at near IR wavelengths, using a phase mask and a CW He-Cd laser operating at 325nm. The room temperature grating response is non-linear and characterized by quadratic behaviour for temperatures from room temperature to the glass transition temperature, and this permanent change is affected by the thermal history of the gratings. We also report the first FBG inscription in microstructured polymer optical fibres fabricated from TOPAS. This material is fully polymerized and has very low moisture absorption, leading to very good fibre drawing properties. Furthermore, although TOPAS is chemically inert and bio-molecules do not readily bind to its surface, treatment with Antraquinon and subsequent UV activation allows sensing molecules to be deposited in well defined spatial locations. When combined with grating technology this provides considerable potential for label-free bio-sensing.

Recent progress in polymer optical fibre gratings

We describe our recent progress in polymer fibre Bragg grating technology, including the writing of the first FBGs in TOPAS cyclic olefin copolymer, enhancements to photosensitivity brought about by dopants and studies on grating annealing.