Patterning the Tips of Optical Fibers with Metallic Nanostructures Using Nanoskiving
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Convenient and inexpensive methods to pattern the facets of optical fibers with metallic nanostructures would enable many applications. This communication reports a method to generate and transfer arrays of metallic nanostructures to the cleaved facets of optical fibers. The process relies on nanoskiving, in which an ultramicrotome, equipped with a diamond knife, sections epoxy nanostructures coated with thin metallic films and embedded in a block of epoxy. Sectioning produces arrays of nanostructures embedded in thin epoxy slabs, which can be transferred manually to the tips of optical fibers at a rate of approximately 2 min(-1), with 88% yield. Etching the epoxy matrices leaves arrays of nanostructures supported directly by the facets of the optical fibers. Examples of structures transferred include gold crescents, rings, high-aspect-ratio concentric cylinders, and gratings of parallel nanowires.
Source: Nano Letters
DOI: 10.1021/nl103730g
Institution: Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2110770982