Optical switching in glass fibre composite

We demonstrate for the first time the reconfigurability of optical signals within advanced laminated composite. The approach employs an ultra-thin planar optical circuit, embedded within glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) that switches an optical input though Ohmic heating. This advance highlights new opportunities for optical reconfigurability within advanced composites, enabling data transmission redundancy and a consideration of branching optical fibre architectures.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the reconfigurability of optical signals within advanced laminated composites. By using an ultra-thin planar optical circuit embedded in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and employing Ohmic heating for switching optical input, new opportunities for optical reconfigurability within advanced composites are highlighted, enabling data transmission redundancy and considering branching optical fiber architectures.