This article presents the simulation of the dynamics of the
self-writing waveguide phenomenon in photopolymerizable
resin systems using the finite element method. The rate equation of the photopolymerization process,
mechanical shrinkage in the resin and lightwave propagation through the waveguide are included in the finite
element model. An emphasis is placed on the simulation of processes occurring at multiple time scales and the
introduction of mechanical shrinkage through an equivalent body force. Simulation results predict the features
of self-writing previously observed including nonuniformities in the final polymerized waveguide.
Several alternative fabrication methods for optical fiber sensors have recently been demonstrated including micro-machining,
surface relief etching and self-writing of photopolymerizable resins. In this paper, a multi-physics
finite element model of sensor self-generation through optical confinement in a photopolymerizable gel is presented
that accounts for the dynamics of photopolymerization, and the
opto-mechanical interactions of densification,
residual strains, and strain-optic effects. In the future, this model will be applied to predict the geometry
and index distribution of a micro-optical fiber sensor. The index of refraction and the material density of
the photopolymerizable gel as a function of optical intensity and time will be experimentally determined to
characterize the dynamics of the particular photopolymerizable resin and used as inputs for the finite element
model.
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