Publication:

Flexible electronics and photonics: development of coaxial conductors and optical waveguides on different substrates

The fabrication of polymeric waveguides has experimented a huge growth in recent years, mainly because the use of printing technologies such as EHD [1] and inkjet printing [2]. The current challenges to overcome in this area could be the development of more effective and precise printing systems to create better waveguides made up of different polymers depending on the desired application, among others. Inside this settlement, polymer PAA (polyacrylic acid) appears as a magnificent material for the development of narrow and effective polymeric waveguides, which can be posteriorly used for the creation of optical sensors taking advantage of their properties and sensible capabilities. The present work describes the printing process of both single-material and coaxial (using two different PAA solutions) waveguides, from the creation of the printing system to the fabrication of optical sensors for various parameters based on these polymeric waveguides, including a thorough explanation of the development of both types of guides using PAA as a key material.