Highly Rare Earth Doped Optical Fiber & Heating Element Comprising Same
Inventors: John Ballato
Keywords: Textiles/Fibers, Biomaterials, Biotechnology, Optical
Market Overview
John Ballato
2018-022
Applications:
Optical Fiber, Biomedical, Microheater, Microfluidity, Rare Earth Doped Fibers, Ytterbium (Yb) Doped Fiber
Technical Summary:
This technology features a Yb metal wire, which is inserted into a preform and drawn into a fiber. The Yb oxidizes and results in rare earth concentrations that cannot be achieved using conventional methods. When the Yb concentration reaches a critical level, Yb no longer radiates light, allowing for the optical pumping power to be efficiently converted to thermal energy. In a highly doped fiber, this thermal energy is then placed into a volume rod, which forms the basis for a highly efficient microheating element. This technology has an array of potential biomedical and microfluidic applications, including hand-held, portable microheaters and a micro-cauterizing tool, both critical to the field of precision surgery.
Advantages:
• Yb is doped into glass rather than silica, allowing for safer, more efficient light radiation
• Can be integrated into existing laser pointers.
• Hand held microheaters for medical applications among others still to be determined.
Technology Overview
State of Development
Prototype
Category
CURF Reference No.
2018-022
Inventors
John Ballato
For More Info, Contact:
Chris Gesswein
Executive Director, Director of Licensing agesswe@clemson.edu
Contact
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