Polymer photonic crystal fibers

(54) POLYMER PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBERS

5,059,482 A

10/1991 Kawamoto et al.

(75) Inventors:

Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Woodbury, MN (US); Olester Benson, Jr., Woodbury, MN (US); Robert L. Brott, Woodbury, MN (US); Patrick R. Fleming, Lake Elmo, MN (US); Catherine A. Leatherdale, St. Paul, MN (US); Terence D. Neavin, St. Paul, MN (US); Diane North, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US)

A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.

11 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets

Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

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* cited by examiner