Optically integrated fiber: A new platform for harsh environmental sensing

This work reports a new optical platform that directly integrates optical fiber upon a planar substrate. The fabrication methodology uses flame hydrolysis deposition to form an optically dynamic as well as mechanically strong composite. The resulting platform is conducive to planar fabrication techniques enabling MEMS microstucturing; mechanically continuous on-chip-off-chip interconnects, removing the dependency upon traditionally vulnerable coupling methods; and is compatible with Bragg grating inscription, permitting multiplexed multiparameter sensing. Chemical sensing is demonstrated through on-chip evanescent field exposure and physical sensing is demonstrated through use of integrated microstructures.