Side-Emitting Optical Fiber Coating for Wider UV-C Irradiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current germicidal UV-C disinfection technologies using LEDs are limited by their small area of irradiation, which restricts their effectiveness in disinfecting microorganisms in water or surface biofilms.
Innovation Solution
Development of side-emitting optical fibers with a modified UV-C transparent polymer coating that allows for tunable side-emission of UV-C light along the fiber length, achieved by partially dissolving the polymer coating to create a textured surface, facilitating disinfection in difficult-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C LEDs are used for germicidal disinfection, then mercury-free and energy-efficient operation is achieved, but the area of irradiation per chip remains small and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment capable of emitting UV-C light laterally. This segmentation allows the light emission area to extend along the entire fiber length, transforming a point-source LED into a distributed line-source system that covers a much larger irradiation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional point-source or planar LED illumination to a three-dimensional line-source configuration. By emitting light laterally along the entire length of the optical fiber, the system adds a longitudinal dimension to the irradiation area, enabling coverage of extended surfaces and volumes that were previously inaccessible to standard LED disinfection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a smooth polymer coating is applied to the optical fiber, then UV-C light transmission is maintained, but side-emission of light is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating is selectively removed from specific regions of the optical fiber to create localized emission zones. By applying the roughening treatment only to portions of the fiber rather than uniformly across the entire surface, the system maintains UV-C transmission in coated regions while enabling side-emission in treated regions, achieving both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial removal of the polymer coating creates a porous or textured surface structure that allows UV-C light to escape laterally from the fiber core. This porous configuration maintains the structural integrity and UV-C transparency of the remaining polymer while providing pathways for light emission, effectively converting the smooth non-emitting surface into a light-transmitting porous structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the polymer coating is partially dissolved to create surface roughness, then side-emission of UV-C light is enabled, but the mechanical strength and flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating is partially dissolved rather than completely removed, creating a textured surface that enables side-emission while preserving the structural framework of the coating. This partial action maintains sufficient mechanical strength and flexibility by retaining the bulk of the polymer matrix, while the dissolved portions create adequate surface roughness for light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface roughness parameter is carefully controlled within an optimal range to enable side-emission without excessive polymer removal. By adjusting the degree of surface modification to specific parameter thresholds, the system achieves the minimum required roughness for effective light emission while maintaining the mechanical properties necessary for fiber strength and flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified optical fibers enhance UV-C irradiation flexibility and effectiveness, reducing biofilm formation and microbial proliferation in complex environments, maintaining flexibility and mechanical strength while increasing disinfection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The partial dissolution of the polymer coating creates a textured or roughened surface which facilitates side-emission of light out of the core of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The partial dissolution of the polymer coating creates a textured or roughened surface which facilitates side-emission of light out of the core of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A modified side-emitting optical fiber includes a core comprising an optical fiber and a UV-C transparent polymer coating over the core. An average surface roughness of the UV-C transparent polymer coating is in a range of about 0.3 μm to about 0.7 μm as measured by root mean square of distance difference measurements of the surface of the UV-C transparent polymer coating. Fabricating a modified side-emitting optical fiber includes contacting a coated optical fiber with a solvent, wherein the coated optical fiber comprises a UV-C transparent polymer coating, and dissolving at least a portion of the UV-C transparent polymer coating in the solvent to yield the modified side-emitting optical fiber, wherein an average surface roughness of the UV-C transparent polymer coating is in a range of about 0.3 μm to about 0.7 μm.