Novel optical fibres for mid-infrared applications

In this project we aim to develop a set of novel mid-IR delivery fibres. We will target the development of thermal imaging bundles for the remote endoscopic thermal analysis of hard to reach areas, and of mid-IR transmitting hollow core fibres that circumvent the lack of durable and low-loss glasses at these wavelengths in the 5-10um spectral range. The student will develop a manufacturing platform for compound-glass-based fibre bundles made of chalcogenides and polymers, and for hollow-core fibres based on novel air-guiding designs and made of lower phonon energy, 'softer', glasses.