The aim of the Fibres research stream is to develop novel optical fibres and integrate them with advanced detectors to deliver unprecedented imaging and sensing.
Key people:
Hollow core optical fibres
Current research is focussed on fabricating specialised hollow core optical fibres to guide powerful light in a safe manner. The fibres will be integrated into endoscopic devices to ablate tissue. These fibres could be used to remove cancer from the lungs or more broadly to remove tissue in other delicate parts of the body where using mechanical tools is difficult.
Air-clad imaging fibres and post-processed optical fibre devices
With their cross-sectional lattice of air holes, air-clad imaging fibres will provide a platform for the development of the next generation of endoscopic techniques, particularly those that rely on near-infrared imaging of fluorescent marker dyes. Advanced fibre post-processing techniques will expand the applications of fibres in healthcare photonics.
Testing and validation of Panoptes fibres in preparation for clinical trials
The Panoptes fibres were developed in the first stage of the Proteus project and have recently undergone extensive testing and validation. Sterilisation and packaging validation and biocompatibility testing were completed in 2021 in preparation for the fibres to be used in proof-of-concept clinical trials.
Through this process and other commercialisation activity, the Fibres team at Bath has developed skills and expertise in translation, from understanding the materials and engineering techniques necessary for translation to working with clinicians from early stages in the research process to understand their need and develop and test possible solutions.