Flexible Light-Induced Self-Written Optical Waveguide Using Gel Material

For in-vehicle optical communication systems, an air gap exists between two plastic optical fibers (POFs) to avoid damage to the POF end due to vibrations. There exists the disadvantage that a loss occurs in air gaps. To solve the issue of high-loss optical coupling, in this study, we designed a light-induced self-written (LISW) optical waveguide between POFs using gel material. It was demonstrated that the two optical fibers were automatically interconnected through the LISW optical waveguide, and the connection maintained the adhesiveness against mechanical displacement.