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

2. 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

3. 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]

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

5. Experimentation
Smiley Face Experiment [2]

6. 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

7. Contact Information
James J. Blue
(801)
References
[1] E. Thomson, “A Fabric with Vision”, MIT News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, July 8, [Online]. Available: [Accessed: Sept. 14, 2009]
[2] N. Savage, “Optical Fiber Fabric Snaps Pictures”, IEEE Spectrum Inside Technology, IEE Spectrum, July 16, [Online]. Available: [Accessed: October 3, 2009]
[3] E. Downing, “MIT Scientists Create Fiber Web that Sees”, Scientific Front Line, July 6, [Online]. Available: [Accessed: Sept. 17, 2009]