Fabrication and Application of Single Crystal Fiber: Review and Prospective

The state of the art of single crystal fiber (SCF) fabrication has evolved and improved over the last five decades. Nowadays, edge-defined film-feed growth, micro-pulling down, and laser heated pedestal growth are three major techniques for the fabrication of SCF. Solid state crystal growth and temperature gradient technology are also very active recently making small size SCF. These optical fiber growth techniques are powerful material research tools employed globally for both scientific inquiry and practical applications. This article introduces the development of SCF growth techniques, with particular emphasis on recent practical applications including temperature sensing, radiation environment sensing, fiber laser and power delivery, chemical and medical application, imaging application, and piezoelectric application. In all cases, the application-oriented point of view provides the reader with an up-to-date panorama of the vast possibilities offered by SCF. In the end, perspectives on the trends and future development of single crystal fibers are discussed.

Automated summary

The state of the art in single crystal fiber fabrication has evolved over the past five decades, with edge-defined film-feed growth, micro-pulling down, and laser heated pedestal growth being the major techniques used. Solid state crystal growth and temperature gradient technology have also become very active recently, particularly in the production of small size SCF. These optical fiber growth techniques serve as powerful material research tools globally for both scientific inquiry and practical applications, with a wide range of applications including temperature sensing, radiation environment sensing, fiber laser and power delivery, chemical and medical applications, imaging applications, and piezoelectric applications. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the development of SCF growth techniques and their applications, offering insights into the vast possibilities offered by SCF and discussing future trends in single crystal fiber development.