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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/T12408/01
Title: Optical Fibre Long Period Grating Devices Using Nano-structured Coatings
Principal Investigator: James, Professor SW
Other Investigators:
Ashwell, Professor G Tatam, Professor RP
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: Cranfield University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 2005 Ends: 31 March 2008 Value (£): 212,303
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optical Devices & Subsystems
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The aim of this proposal is the investigation of an exciting new phenomenon recently observed at Cranfield University that occurs in fibre optic long period gratings (LPGs) coated with a thin film (approx. 200 nm) of material of refractive index higher than that of silica. The characteristics of the LPG are observed to be highly sensitive to the thickness and refractive index of the coating material. The use of the Langmuir Blodgett technique to deposit organic materials offers control over the thickness of the coating on the nano-scale, and the possibility of depositing materials with a range of properties, e.g. electro-optic, photochromic and chemically sensitive materials. The proposed research program will theoretically and experimentally characterise this new effect, and exploit it to demonstrate the potential for the development of a range of in-line fibre optic devices by demonstrating a fibre optic chemical sensor and a temperature sensor. Optimisation of the performance will be achieved by the design and synthesis of materials with appropriate characteristics.The aim of this proposal is the investigation of an exciting new phenomenon recently observed at Cranfield University that occurs in fibre optic long period gratings (LPGs) coated with a thin film (approx. 200 nm) of material of refractive index higher than that of silica. The characteristics of the LPG are observed to be highly sensitive to the thickness and refractive index of the coating material. The use of the Langmuir Blodgett technique to deposit organic materials offers control over the thickness of the coating on the nano-scale, and the possibility of depositing materials with a range of properties, e.g. electro-optic, photochromic and chemically sensitive materials. The proposed research program will theoretically and experimentally characterise this new effect, and exploit it to demonstrate the potential for the development of a range of in-line fibre optic devices by demonstrating a fibre optic chemical sensor and a temperature sensor. Optimisation of the performance will be achieved by the design and synthesis of materials with appropriate characteristics.
Key Findings
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk