Shaping nanoparticles in optical fibers through thermal engineering

Nanoparticles in optical fibers have gained tremendous interest over the last three years, in particular as optical fiber sensors. The performance of such fibers is based on the analysis of Rayleigh backscattered light with Optical Backscatter Reflectometry. To customize the shape of nanoparticles, i.e. light scattering, we will discuss on two different thermal treatments: (i) thermal engineering operating during the drawing of the preform containing nanoparticles, (ii) by heating the fibers with a conventional furnace. These approaches demonstrate the ability to tune the shape of the nanoparticles thanks to appropriate heat treatment.