Image Capturing Fibers James J. Blue University of Utah Electrical Engineering Student 10/8/09

Overview Motivation for research Description of the fibers Experiments Conventional camera lenses Applications Description of the fibers Materials used Process Experiments How the fibers work Where we are and where we hope to go

Motivation for Research Conventional camera lenses vs. Web of light detecting fibers Field of view Fragility Size and weight Applications Soldier clothing Integrated security cameras “Light” activated screens Spherical Web of Fibers [3]

What are the Fibers? Process called drawing Materials used Semiconducting glass Tin electrodes Transparent polymer insulation SEM Micrograph [1]

Experimentation Smiley Face Experiment [2]

Recent Advances/Future Possibilities Motivation for research Problems with conventional camera lenses Possible applications The fibers consist of: Two light-sensitive semiconductors (glass) Eight tin electrodes Transparent polymer insulation Made through a process called drawing In order to capture an image, the fibers must find: Intensity Angle of illumination Wavelength Phase Eight separate functional devices in a fiber Three semiconductors may produce colored images

Contact Information James J. Blue j.blue@utah.edu (801)664-1584 References [1] E. Thomson, “A Fabric with Vision”, MIT News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, July 8, 2009. [Online]. Available: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/flexible-0708.html. [Accessed: Sept. 14, 2009] [2] N. Savage, “Optical Fiber Fabric Snaps Pictures”, IEEE Spectrum Inside Technology, IEE Spectrum, July 16, 2009. [Online]. Available: http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/semiconductors/optoelectronics/optical-fiber-fabric-snaps-pictures [Accessed: October 3, 2009] [3] E. Downing, “MIT Scientists Create Fiber Web that Sees”, Scientific Front Line, July 6, 2009. [Online]. Available: http://www.sflorg.com/technews/tn071006_02.html [Accessed: Sept. 17, 2009]