Laser-Induced Deposition of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Suspended Core Optical Fibers

in: IEEE Photonics Technology Letters (2026)
da Silva, Ricardo Ezequiel; Bartelt, Hartmut; Cordeiro, Cristiano M. B.
We experimentally demonstrate laser-driven deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in suspended core fibers (SCFs) for the first time. Three samples for each SCF type with three (SCF1) and four (SCF2) air holes are individually inserted in a syringe loaded with a 0.5 mL solution of CNTs dispersed in methanol, and a high-power laser at 980 nm is injected into the fibers during distinct periods: SCF1 (20, 30 and 45 minutes), SCF2 (5, 10 and 15 minutes). The CNT solution thermally expands, accelerating and depositing nanotubes on the fiber tip. The material and dimensions of the CNTs deposited on the SCFs’ cross-section are characterized, revealing nanotube bundles increasing in thickness from the fiber core to the bridges and inside the holes. The results indicate that shorter laser periods increase nanotube distribution within the SCFs’ core and overall cross-section. In contrast, longer periods focus high-pressure particles, enhancing ablation and depositing thinner layers in the fiber core. These achievements are significant for nanoparticle deposition and for the fabrication of microscale devices on tips and within specialty and hollow fibers, enabling innovative fiber sensors, mode-locked fiber lasers, in-fiber acousto-optic modulators, and broadband photoacoustic transmitters for imaging and neurostimulation.

Third party cookies & scripts

This site uses cookies. For optimal performance, smooth social media and promotional use, it is recommended that you agree to third party cookies and scripts. This may involve sharing information about your use of the third-party social media, advertising and analytics website.
For more information, see privacy policy and imprint.
Which cookies & scripts and the associated processing of your personal data do you agree with?

You can change your preferences anytime by visiting privacy policy.